Mr. Chairman,

The Chinese delegation takes note of the latest report submitted by the Director-General on the implementation of the NPT safeguards agreement and relevant provisions of UN Security Council resolutions in Iran. The report states that the Agency continues to verify the non-diversion of Iran's declared nuclear materials, and that at the same time it is unable to conclude that all nuclear material in Iran is in peaceful activities. The report also gives an update on Agency's recent dialogue with Iran. We hope that the Secretariat of the Agency will continue to play a constructive role in applying safeguards in Iran with an objective and impartial approach and contribute to a proper solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

Mr. Chairman,

China has always believed that as a State Party to the NPT, Iran is entitled to the right to peaceful uses of nuclear energy while fulfilling relevant international obligations. We hope that Iran will fully implement relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and the IAEA Board of Governors and, in particular, further strengthen its cooperation with the Agency and clarify all outstanding issues in the Iranian nuclear program based on an agreed structured approach as soon as possible so as to enhance the confidence of the international community in the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program.

China has all along advocated for a peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and cooperation. This is not only extremely important to strengthening the international non-proliferation regime and maintaining peace and stability in the Middle-East, but also in the interest of all. Either use of force or unilateral sanction is undesirable and detrimental. We note with satisfaction that during the past months the P5 plus Germany and Iran held three rounds of political dialogue and one expert-level meeting. In-depth and useful discussions were conducted on how to promote the solution of the Iranian nuclear issue. To be sure, all parties concerned yet to make further constructive efforts to move the dialogue forward. It's our hope that the parties stick to the right direction of dialogue and cooperation, and seize the existing opportunity to hold a new round of dialogue as early as possible. It's essential for the relevant parties to address their differences in an appropriate and practical way by accommodating each other's concerns on the basis of reciprocity and step-by-step approach with a view to seeking a realistic and reasonable solution.

Mr. Chairman,

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that China is ready, together with all parties, to continue playing an active role in seeking a comprehensive, long-lasting and proper settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.