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China firm on Iran nuclear talks China firm on Iran nuclear talks
(10 minutes later)
China has reiterated its call for talks on Iran's nuclear dispute, as US diplomats arrive in Beijing to ask for support for new sanctions on Tehran. China says diplomacy should be given further time in the dispute over Iran's nuclear programme, as US officials press for new sanctions on Tehran.
Deputy State Secretary James Steinberg is the most senior US diplomat to visit Beijing since a series of rows over arms, trade and human rights. China's latest statement came as a senior US diplomat, James Steinberg, arrived in Beijing on the highest level visit since a series of bilateral rows.
On Monday, Moscow signalled it would consider new sanctions against Tehran.On Monday, Moscow signalled it would consider new sanctions against Tehran.
And Iran rejected a UN International Atomic Energy Agency claim it was not co-operating with its investigation.And Iran rejected a UN International Atomic Energy Agency claim it was not co-operating with its investigation.
World powers say Iran is enriching uranium to make nuclear weapons, but Tehran says its atomic programme is solely for civilian energy purposes.World powers say Iran is enriching uranium to make nuclear weapons, but Tehran says its atomic programme is solely for civilian energy purposes.
Asked about Moscow's statement, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said: "We call for a resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic means.Asked about Moscow's statement, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said: "We call for a resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic means.
Sanctions should be calibrated and smart... [they] should not target the civilian population Dmitry MedvedevRussian PresidentSanctions should be calibrated and smart... [they] should not target the civilian population Dmitry MedvedevRussian President
"We believe there is still room for diplomatic efforts and the parties concerned should intensify those efforts.""We believe there is still room for diplomatic efforts and the parties concerned should intensify those efforts."
Speaking in Paris on Monday, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he was open to the idea of sanctions - as a last resort.Speaking in Paris on Monday, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said he was open to the idea of sanctions - as a last resort.
"Russia is ready, together with our other partners, to consider introducing sanctions" if there is no breakthrough in the negotiations, he told a news conference after talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy."Russia is ready, together with our other partners, to consider introducing sanctions" if there is no breakthrough in the negotiations, he told a news conference after talks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy.
"These sanctions should be calibrated and smart. These sanctions should not target the civilian population," the Russian leader was quoted as saying by AFP news agency."These sanctions should be calibrated and smart. These sanctions should not target the civilian population," the Russian leader was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.
Washington and other Western powers want the backing of China - a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council - for a proposed resolution slapping new sanctions on Tehran.Washington and other Western powers want the backing of China - a veto-wielding member of the UN Security Council - for a proposed resolution slapping new sanctions on Tehran.
Washington hopes the visit by Mr Steinberg and the National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs, Jeffrey Bader, will help ease Sino-US tensions.Washington hopes the visit by Mr Steinberg and the National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs, Jeffrey Bader, will help ease Sino-US tensions.
"We've gone through a bit of a bumpy path here, and I think there's an interest both within the United States and China to get back to business as usual as quickly as possible," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters in Washington."We've gone through a bit of a bumpy path here, and I think there's an interest both within the United States and China to get back to business as usual as quickly as possible," State Department spokesman Philip Crowley told reporters in Washington.
Beijing and Washington are at odds over a Taiwan arms deal, trade matters, internet censorship, and US policy towards Tibet.Beijing and Washington are at odds over a Taiwan arms deal, trade matters, internet censorship, and US policy towards Tibet.