China supports a proper solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiation and cooperation within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a Chinese official said in Vienna Monday at the 49th IAEA general conference.

China has always supported a solution to the Iranian nuclear issue within the framework of the IAEA, as such a solution is conducive to regional peace and stability and in line with the interests of parties concerned, said Zhang Huazhu, head of the Chinese delegation to the conference.

China supports and encourages Iran and the EU to continue talks to seek a long-term solution to their nuclear dispute and calls for maximum sincerity and concrete measures from both sides to break the stalemate and resume their nuclear talks, he said.

On the North Korean nuclear issue, Zhang said the six-party talks in Beijing have achieved substantial fruits.

The joint statement issued after the meeting is a balanced and win-win document that has taken into consideration the interests of all parties concerned, he said.

China hopes the parties concerned can continue to respect each other and take flexible and pragmatic approaches to increase mutual trust and narrow differences, "in a bid to find a solution to the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula," said Zhang.

China will, as it always does, firmly support a solution to the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue. It also supports the process of six-party talks, he said.

Zhang noted that the strengthening of international nuclear security and the prevention of nuclear proliferation are basically aimed at safeguarding and promoting peace and security of nations as well as the sustainable development of the society.

China considers the current international nuclear non-proliferation mechanism to be effective, said Zhang, adding that China holds that related policies and measures should be made on the basis of wide participation by all countries and a scientific decision-making mechanism.

The 49th session of the general conference of the IAEA opened Monday with the participation of delegates from more than 130 IAEA member countries and 20-plus non-governmental organizations.

(Xinhua News Agency September 28, 2005)