China diplomat to discuss Iran nuclear dispute

Reuters: A senior Chinese diplomat will travel to Tehran on Monday to discuss the international standoff over Iranian nuclear ambitions, the Chinese foreign ministry announced as a U.N. deadline approaches.
BEIJING, Aug 14 (Reuters) – A senior Chinese diplomat will travel to Tehran on Monday to discuss the international standoff over Iranian nuclear ambitions, the Chinese foreign ministry announced as a U.N. deadline approaches.

The West says Iran is seeking to develop a nuclear weapons capability, while Iran says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.

China was among U.N. Security Council members who voted on July 31 that Iran suspend sensitive atomic work by Aug. 31 or face the threat of sanctions.

Assistant Chinese Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai will discuss the nuclear and other international issues with Iranian officials, the foreign ministry said on its Web site (www.fmprc.gov.cn) without releasing any details.

China has repeatedly urged a diplomatic solution to the nuclear dispute, but it faces pressure from Washington and Brussels to back tougher action against Tehran.

Iranian parliament speaker Gholamali Haddadadel said on Sunday that Iran might leave the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty in response to the U.N. resolution.