Business ties with Iran are 'normal'
Source: Agencies |
November 12, 2011, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINA and Iran have normal business ties which should not be targeted by any new sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said yesterday, repeating that, in any case, sanctions were not the solution.
Iran already faces a wide range of UN sanctions, as well as some imposed unilaterally by the United States and the European Union.
New EU sanctions, which the bloc is discussing, would be a significant part of Western efforts to ratchet up pressure on Tehran after the UN nuclear watchdog's report this week that laid bare a trove of intelligence suggesting Iran is seeking nuclear weapons.
"Just like many countries, China and Iran have transparent and normal commercial dealings," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.
"These dealings benefit the peoples of both countries. They do not harm the interests of other countries nor the international community and they do not violate Security Council resolutions. Even less do they detract from China's stance on nuclear proliferation," he added.
"I wish to reiterate that dialogue and cooperation are the most effective channel for resolving the Iran nuclear issue. Pressure and sanctions do not help to resolve the problem."
He did not give a direct answer when asked whether new US sanctions would harm ties with China, saying only that dialogue and cooperation were the pressing task.
Western governments would prefer further Security Council measures against Iran. But Russia and China, both permanent Security Council members with veto power, are opposed, saying new sanctions would not work.
Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
Iran already faces a wide range of UN sanctions, as well as some imposed unilaterally by the United States and the European Union.
New EU sanctions, which the bloc is discussing, would be a significant part of Western efforts to ratchet up pressure on Tehran after the UN nuclear watchdog's report this week that laid bare a trove of intelligence suggesting Iran is seeking nuclear weapons.
"Just like many countries, China and Iran have transparent and normal commercial dealings," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said.
"These dealings benefit the peoples of both countries. They do not harm the interests of other countries nor the international community and they do not violate Security Council resolutions. Even less do they detract from China's stance on nuclear proliferation," he added.
"I wish to reiterate that dialogue and cooperation are the most effective channel for resolving the Iran nuclear issue. Pressure and sanctions do not help to resolve the problem."
He did not give a direct answer when asked whether new US sanctions would harm ties with China, saying only that dialogue and cooperation were the pressing task.
Western governments would prefer further Security Council measures against Iran. But Russia and China, both permanent Security Council members with veto power, are opposed, saying new sanctions would not work.
Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
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