Meeting on Iran deal sends "positive signal": Chinese FM

A meeting of foreign ministers from Iran and the six powers late Monday discussed the implementation of the comprehensive nuclear agreement reached in July, sending a positive signal, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Wang noted that the deal has been widely welcomed and the relations between Iran and other parties have been noticeably improved, which also brought positive elements to the Middle East situation, saying that China is delighted for the positive development.

Iran and the six powers, namely Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States plus Germany, have been actively making political, legal and technical preparations on the double tracks of the nuclear aspects and the lifting of sanctions, said Wang, adding that "things are moving generally smooth."

The comprehensive agreement was clinched between Iran and the six countries in July after more than two weeks of tough bargaining in Vienna, capital of Austria. Under the deal, the UN Security Council is expected to lift sanctions against Iran if the Islamic republic meets strict conditions regarding its nuclear program.

Wang said the meeting, the first of its kind since the deal was reached, has sent positive political signals on the promotion of the start of its implementation, as well as to build confidence, dispel doubts and provide political guidance to the preparation of the implementation."

Difficulties and problems might inevitably arise during the implementation process, Wang said, calling on all parties to stick to their commitment, implement the deal in a balanced way to take everyone's interests into account.

He also held that differences should be constructively managed in the spirit of equal consultation.

"We should also adhere to win-win cooperation to achieve a steady and successful implementation of the agreement through joint efforts," he said.

As an active participant in the Iranian nuclear negotiations, China will continue to play a constructive role in the implementation of the comprehensive deal, he pledged.

China has made a lot of efforts towards the redesign of Iran's heavy water Arak reactor and conducted effective communication with the United States and Iran, said Wang, adding that China will continue to promote relevant consultation process to ensure a smooth start of the redesign of the reactor.

According to diplomats, the meeting made positive comments on the progress of the preparation for the deal's implementation and commended China for its constructive role in redesign of the Arak reactor. They all agreed to promote the successful start of the implementation of the agreement. Endi