U.S. announces that it will end sanctions and waivers of nuclear projects in Iran

　　China News Agency, Beijing, May 29 (Zhang Su, Li Jingze) The United States announced that it will lift sanctions and exemptions for nuclear projects in the comprehensive nuclear issue of Iran. In response to this move, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said at a regular press conference on the 29th that "China firmly opposes".

　　A reporter asked, on May 28th, Beijing time, US Secretary of State Pompeo issued a statement announcing that the United States will end sanctions exemptions for nuclear projects such as the Arak Heavy Water Reactor and other nuclear projects in Iraq after 60 days. What is China's comment?

　　Zhao Lijian pointed out that the comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue is a multilateral agreement approved by the UN Security Council Resolution 2231. It is an important part of the international nuclear non-proliferation system and is essential for maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East. The arrangement of nuclear projects in the comprehensive agreement reflects the balance between Iran ’s non-proliferation obligations and the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy, and embodies the purposes and principles of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. Complying with and implementing relevant arrangements is in the common interest of all parties and is also the common responsibility of all parties.

　　Zhao Lijian pointed out that the United States stubbornly insisted on exerting pressure on Iran ’s limit, not only unilaterally withdrawing from the comprehensive agreement, violating the UN Security Council resolution, but also intensifying its efforts to prevent other parties from implementing the agreement.

　　"The US side lifted sanctions exemptions for related nuclear projects, undermining the international non-proliferation process and the international community's efforts to maintain a comprehensive agreement, reflecting its consistent unilateralism and hegemony. China is firmly opposed." Zhao Lijian said.

　　He also said that the reconstruction of the Arak heavy water reactor is an important part of the comprehensive agreement and a common project of all parties to the agreement. China will work with all parties to continue to uphold the comprehensive agreement and safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. (Finish)