China: sanctions cannot "fundamentally" resolve Iran nuclear disputeNovember 10, 2011 - 12:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - China's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, November 10, that sanctions cannot "fundamentally" resolve the Iran nuclear dispute, after Western leaders urged expanded sanctions against Iran over a UN watchdog report that Tehran has worked to design atom bombs. "We always believe that dialogue and cooperation is the right way to solve the Iranian nuclear issue. Sanctions cannot fundamentally solve the issue," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said. "The pressing task now is all parties concerned step up diplomatic efforts," Hong added. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded in a report this week that Iran appears to have worked on designing an atomic weapon. "We hope the IAEA will be fair and objective, and actively committed to clarifying the salient issues through cooperation with Iran," he said. "This is the pressing task at this stage." The Chinese spokesman's remarks underscored the tough task facing Western governments who hope to win Beijing's backing for tougher United Nations sanctions on Iran. But Hong's words fell short of an outright no. Beijing has said sanctions are not a "fundamental" answer before, when it ultimately voted for U.N. Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions on Iran for its disputed nuclear activities. China, which has kept close ties with Iran, has also backed past U.N. Security Council resolutions criticizing Iran's position on nuclear issues and authorizing limited sanctions. Iran is China's third-largest crude oil supplier, shipping 20.3 million tons in the first nine months of the year, up by almost a third on the same period last year, according to Chinese data. China has repeatedly resisted Western proposals for sanctions that could seriously curtail its energy and economic ties with Iran. As one of the Security Council's five permanent members, China holds the power to veto any resolutions. China has also denounced the United States and European Union for imposing their own separate sanctions on Iran, and said they should not take steps reaching beyond the U.N. resolutions. Spokesman Hong warned on Wednesday against turmoil in the Middle East from action over Iran's nuclear program, Reuters reported. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. Pillars installed in Armenian border village of Kirants In the Armenian village of Kirants, three border markers have been installed, and border guards stand next to them. |