Hu Xiaodi, ambassador for Disarmament Affairs of China, called Monday for peaceful resolution to the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula and the Iranian nuclear program through dialogue.

China, North Korea, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the US engaged in serious and practical discussions at the 4th round of the six-party talks concerning the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, Hu told the plenary meeting of the 60th session of the General Assembly.

He said the positive results achieved in this round of the six-party talks show the political will of the leaders and governments of the six countries to resolve the nuclear issue through dialogue.

They were achieved after two years of intensive negotiations and unremitting efforts, Hu said, adding that the achievement has not come by easily and must be treasured.

Hu pointed out that at present, the parties concerned have reached agreement on the ultimate goal and basic principles of the six-party talks, laying a good foundation for pushing the talks forward.

"However, the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula is complicated," he noted. "A thorough solution will involve a difficult process. There is a long way for the six-party talks to go and many difficulties still lie ahead."

Hu vowed that China will, as always, firmly support a peaceful resolution of the nuclear issue on the Korean peninsula through dialogue, promote the six-party talks process and play its due role.

"We will continue working together with all parties concerned as well as the international community at large for the ultimate realization of the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and maintenance of peace and stability on the peninsula and in Northeast Asia," he said.

On the Iranian nuclear issue, Hu noted that China has all along advocated an early and appropriate solution within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and supported the pursuit by EU and Iran of a long-term solution through dialogue and negotiation.

"We believe such an approach and solution will be conducive to preserving the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and peace and stability in the region," he said.

Hu noted that developments since the board of the agency adopted a resolution on the matter in September have caused great concern.

"Nevertheless, there is still room for the issue to be resolved within the framework of the agency," he said. "The international community should not give up efforts in this regard."

He called on the EU and Iran to resume negotiations as soon as possible, saying China hopes that both sides maintain patience, demonstrate flexibility and take initiatives to create favorable conditions for the resumption of negotiations.

"China will continue to make use of all available opportunities to actively promote negotiation, and play a constructive role toward the ultimate and appropriate resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue," Hu said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2005)