Chinese FM discusses North Korea, Iran with Powell

AFP: China’s foreign minister discussed the North Korea and Iran nuclear issues in a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Colin Powell Friday, state media reported, two days after Bush’s reelection.
AFP

BEIJING – China’s foreign minister discussed the North Korea and Iran nuclear issues in a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Colin Powell Friday, state media reported, two days after Bush’s reelection.

Li Zhaoxing, who heads to Tehran Saturday, exchanged views with Powell on how to properly resolve the row over Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons program within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Xinhua news agency said.

The foreign ministry said Thursday that Li will discuss the nuclear issue with Iranian officials during his two-day visit.

Iran is under pressure from the United States to come clean on an alleged program to develop nuclear weapons and to suspend all activities to enrich uranium.

China has been the main mediator between Pyongyang and Washington on resolving the standoff over North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. Beijing said it hopes the next round of six-nation talks to resolve the issue will resume as early as possible.

Li and Powell also exchanged views on how to further develop the “constructive, cooperative relationship” between China and the United States, as well as how to step up trade and fight terrorism, according to Xinhua.