Beijing, April 08: China, which has opposed new UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme, has agreed to meet world powers Thursday in New York to discuss punitive measures, France said.
“The Chinese have agreed to speak tomorrow in New York among the six,” Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said, referring to the negotiating group comprising Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States.
Speaking before the French parliament’s foreign relations committee, Kouchner described the Chinese stance as “a positive factor” and “good news”, but did not say at what level the talks would be held.
The US ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, told CNN television Wednesday that Beijing “has agreed to sit down and begin serious discussions” on drawing up new sanctions against Iran.
China — the major customer for Iranian oil exports and a firm defender of national sovereignty on the world scene — insists it is merely seeking a peaceful resolution to the stand-off over Iran’s atomic ambitions.
—Agencies