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China Wants Iran’s Nuclear Talks To Conclude Quickly
17 February 2015
EIRNS—All indicators suggest China is putting its weight behind the conclusion of the talks of the P5+1 nations (UNSC members Britain, China, France, Russia, United States, plus Germany) with Iran on its nuclear program, and not to drag them on any longer. In his visit to Tehran, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, at a joint press conference with his Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Feb. 15, said the talks have been extended twice, and "we hope that they will not be for a third time.... Talks on the Iran nuclear issue face a historic opportunity, and striking a comprehensive deal on schedule is the trend of the times and the desire of the people. The negotiations have seen positive progress, but they have become more difficult and complicated" as they near conclusion, Wang added. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Feb. 15 that Beijing could be a crucial presence in the final rounds of talks. "Under the current circumstances, a final agreement can be reached in a short time if there is sufficient political will in the other party; and an effective presence by China can help further shorten that time," Rouhani said in a meeting with the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister, the BRICS Post reported. Such a push from China to end the talks becomes more apparent when Iran’s Adviser of Supreme Leader in International Affairs Ali Akbar Velayati made a statement saying Iran-China relations are strategic and that the Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Iran to talk on bilateral ties, IRNA reported. Velayati said Iran and China have common strategic interests, so their relations are strategic. He called bilateral cooperation "fruitful," saying he will attend a congress in China on the Silk Ramtanu Maitra |
