Mr. Chairman,

China takes note of Director-General's latest report submitted on November 8^th which indicates that the Agency is able to continue to verify the non-diversion of Iran's declared nuclear materials and yet to conclude that all nuclear material in Iran is for peaceful activities.

Mr. Chairman,

China supports the maintenance of an international non-proliferation regime, stands against the proliferation of nuclear weapons and is not in favor of developing nuclear weapons by any countries in the Middle East. As a signatory to the NPT, Iran is entitled to peaceful uses of nuclear energy while fulfilling its relevant international obligations.

China consistently believes that dialogue and cooperation is the only right way for seeking a proper solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and it serves fundamental interests of all parties. Sanctions and even the use of force cannot resolve the issue fundamentally and by doing so it will only be counter-productive. Under the current circumstances, it is of vital importance to actively promote dialogue and negotiation and remain firmly committed to the peaceful solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

The top priority is to reopen the dialogue between the P5+1 and Iran as soon as possible. We welcome the positive intention to resume dialogues expressed recently by Madam Ashton, European Union High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security and Mr. Jalili, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. We hope that Iran and the P5+1 will, in the spirit of reciprocity and step-by-step approach, make joint efforts towards this end and promote gradual progress in dialogues with a view to reaching a negotiated comprehensive and lasting solution, which will restore the confidence of the international community in the peaceful nature of Iran's nuclear program while respecting her legitimate right to peacefully use nuclear energy.

At the same time, Iran and the IAEA should actively engage each other and cooperate to resolve the outstanding issues in the implementation of safeguards agreement in Iran, including issues related to possible military dimensions. We have noted that Iran recently expressed its willingness to discuss and clarify the above issues with Agency's Secretariat. We call upon Iran to further step up its cooperation with the Agency and also hope that the Secretariat will maintain impartiality and objectivity and make due efforts to promote the finding of a solution to the relevant outstanding issues.

Mr. Chairman,

China, with a highly responsible attitude on the international non-proliferation regime and the peace and stability in the Middle East, will continue to play a constructive role as always. We will keep close contact and coordination with the parties concerned and unswervingly promote a process for a negotiated solution to the Iranian nuclear issue.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.