China calls for diplomatic solution on Iran

China Monday urged all parties to be committed to a diplomatic solution of the Iran nuclear issue after the US blacklisted additional Iranian companies and individuals suspected of evading sanctions against Iran.

The US move Dec 12 sparked anger in Iran which halted talks with representatives of the world powers in Vienna at an event designed to work out the details of a November deal, reports Xinhua.

The P5+1 group - the US, Britain, France, Russia, China plus Germany - struck a deal with Iran in Geneva Nov 24 in which Iran agreed to freeze part of its nuclear programme in exchange for limited easing of sanctions which have hurt its economy.

Hua Chunying, spokeswoman of the Chinese foreign ministry, said at a daily news briefing Monday that Iran's framework agreement with the P5+1 group marked "an important step" for a diplomatic solution of the issue and called for all parties to follow the principles of mutual respect during the implementation of the deal.

"All parties should be committed to a diplomatic solution on the issue and strike while the iron is hot so that we can take the first steps as soon as possible," Hua said.

China will continue to advocate peace and talks and play a constructive role in achieving a comprehensive and proper solution of the issue, she added.

Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said Sunday that Iran would continue to seriously negotiate in Geneva despite the "inappropriate moves" by the US.