China News Agency, Beijing, June 22 (Reporter Liang Xiaohui) China and Russia voted against the resolution of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Council on June 19 to vote on Iran’s safeguards. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian 22 At a regular press conference held in Beijing on the Japanese side, China expressed its disapproval of any actions that artificially intensified conflicts and triggered escalation of the situation.
Zhao Lijian pointed out that China has always supported the International Atomic Energy Agency in performing objectively, professionally, and in a neutral manner the responsibility of safeguarding Iran, and opposed politicizing the work of the Agency. The agency made it clear that it is neither urgent nor prone to the risks involved in Iraq’s safeguards. Iran also clearly expressed its willingness to resolve the issue through dialogue with the agency. Under such circumstances, China does not approve of any actions that artificially intensify conflicts and cause the situation to escalate. We hope all parties concerned can maintain calmness and restraint, and support Iraq and the institution to resolve differences through dialogue and cooperation.
Zhao Lijian emphasized that on the Iranian nuclear issue, China’s starting point has always been to maintain a comprehensive agreement, maintain multilateralism, maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, and maintain an international order based on international law. We are willing to continue to work closely with relevant parties to make unremitting efforts to promote the political and diplomatic settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.
A reporter asked: On June 19, the foreign ministers of France, Germany and Britain issued a joint statement on the Iranian nuclear issue. What's China's comment on this?
Zhao Lijian responded that China has taken note of the joint statement issued by the three foreign ministers on the comprehensive agreement on the Iranian nuclear issue.
"China always believes that maintaining and implementing a comprehensive agreement is the only correct way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue." Zhao Lijian said that a few days ago, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the rotating chairman of the Security Council, emphasizing that the comprehensive agreement has passed the UN Security Council. The approval of Resolution 2231 is an important result of multilateral diplomacy and a key element of the international nuclear non-proliferation system. China firmly maintains the authority of Security Council resolutions and the effectiveness of the comprehensive agreement. All the provisions of Security Council Resolution 2231 should be carefully implemented. Iran’s reduced implementation of agreements is the result of extreme pressure from the United States. We urge the US to abandon unilateral sanctions and "long-arm jurisdiction" and return to the correct track of observing comprehensive agreements and Security Council resolutions. At the same time, the parties to the comprehensive agreement should take effective measures to restore the balance of rights and obligations of the comprehensive agreement. As a withdrawal from a comprehensive agreement, the United States has no right to request the Security Council to initiate a "fast-recovery sanctions" mechanism.
Zhao Lijian said that we have noticed that the three foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a comprehensive agreement and fully implementing Security Council Resolution 2231. Considering that the strategy of extreme pressure on Iran will not help to resolve the concerns of the parties on the Iranian nuclear issue, the unilateral attempt to launch the Security Council’s “fast recovery of sanctions” mechanism will cause serious consequences in the Security Council, which runs counter to the efforts to maintain a comprehensive agreement. Three will not support.
Zhao Lijian emphasized that China is willing to work with the international community, including the EU, to abide by comprehensive agreements and Security Council resolutions, maintain multilateralism, and promote a political and diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. At the same time, we will also firmly safeguard our legitimate rights and interests. (Finish)