China opposed to sanctions on Iran on nuclear issue

China today explicitly cautioned the United States and Europe against attempts to imposing economic sanction against Iran, Chinese International Radio said.

Airing an analysis on Iran's nuclear issue, it said on Monday that economic sanctions are like a two-edged sword being harmful both for the US and Europe.

The radio, which reflects Chinese government's views, referred to western states' strong dependence on Iranian oil and transit of crude through Hormuz Strait, that is fully dominated by Iran, and said, "So, it can be well predicted to what extent western economy would suffer once economic sanctions are imposed against Iran." It said that no doubt, economic sanctions or military force would not only fail to solve Iran's nuclear problem but will also make it further complicated.

"Therefore, diplomacy and peaceful settlement of Iran's nuclear crisis will be helpful for peace, stability and development in the region and the world, securing main interests of different parties involved in the case," it added.

The Chinese radio said the US pressure for economic sanctions on Iran or resorting to military option have something to do with the November elections in the US.

"To win November elections, the US Republicans are in efforts to expedite Iran's economic sanctions," it added.

It touched on repeated inspection of Iranian nuclear sites by the International Atomic Energy Agency, saying, "Despite repeated IAEA inspections for more than three years, no evidence has been found to substantiate diversion of Iran's nuclear activities to military purposes and weapons production." Elsewhere in its program, the radio ruled out military strike on Iran. "Military strike on Iran is not a right move." It said Iran's nuclear problem has no military formula and using the choice of sanctions against the country too will not be helpful.

Meantime, French President Jacques Chirac today said continued nuclear talks with Iran, which has a pivotal role in the Middle East, is possible. Addressing a group of French ambassadors, Chirac said time always remains for continuation of talks with Iran.

Iran's Secretary of Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani yesterday said that Iran is prepared to hold talks with the foreign ministers of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany (5+1 group) at any time and any place. He said such negotiations can cover all the ongoing developments including the country's nuclear issue.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi on Sunday rejected any link between inauguration of Arak heavy water plant and Iran's nuclear dossier. Asefi said products of Arak heavy water plant would have a peaceful application.

Asefi said "We recommend the Europeans to study Iran's response with precision and present their views. "Iran's response is transparent, comprehensive and complete and has no ambiguity," he added.

Iran's president said there is no retreating from Iran's nuclear achievements.