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Iran breaks UN seals on atomic plant
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-08-11 08:57

UN Council should not hear Iran nuke dispute - China

China on Wednesday opposed any U.N. Security Council consideration of the dispute over Iran's nuclear program, saying the issue should be handled solely by the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna.

The IAEA's 35-member board of governors, of which China is a member, can refer the controversy to the Security Council in New York.

"I think it is up to Vienna to come up with a solution. I think it is not up to the Security Council," China's U.N. ambassador, Wang Guangya, told reporters.

"The council has too many things on the table. Why should we have more?" Wang said.

The Security Council can impose sanctions, which the IAEA cannot. But China can lobby to keep it off the 15-member council's agenda and then use its veto power to prevent any punitive action.

Most council members believe sanctions will not be imposed against Iran. But Western members would at minimum like a warning statement in the belief putting Iran on the agenda of the Security Council would shame Tehran into cooperation.

European leaders have offered to address Iran's energy needs if it agrees to halt all nuclear fuel work. 

"The European Union and Iran can work out something," Wang said. "I think that this issue deserves a diplomatic solution.

"I think the council is not the proper place for it. The IAEA is," he added.


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