The Iran nuclear issue should be resolved within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) instead of being referred to the United Nations Security Council, a Chinese government spokeswoman said in Beijing Wednesday.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said in response to a journalist's question that with consultation with all parties, Iran's nuclear issue could be completely resolved.

Zhang said China has noted Iran's joint statement Tuesday with the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany, announcing that it would strengthen cooperation with the IAEA, and sign and pass the additional protocol to the safeguard agreement with the IAEA and to halt its uranium enrichment program.

China also noted Iran's emphasis that it reserved the right for the peaceful use of nuclear energy under the framework of the nuclear non-proliferation mechanism, said Zhang.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gulam Ali Khoshroo Wednesday visited China and explained Iran's decision to Chinese officials, she said.

Zhang said China welcomed and appreciated Iran's decision, hoping it would carry out its commitments as soon as possible. The implementation of the additional protocol to the safeguard agreement with the IAEA should be properly resolved under the IAEA framework as soon as possible.

China always hoped Iran would completely cooperate with the IAEA, to make Iran's nuclear activity transparent to the IAEA and sign and pass the additional protocol to the safeguard agreement with the IAEA, said Zhang.

Zhang said China also appreciated other countries' constructive roles in solving the issue, and was glad to see achievements had been made.

(Xinhua News Agency October 23, 2003)