No divide between US and China on Iran: Zoellick
Wed Jan 25, 2006
CHENGDU, China (Reuters) - A senior U.S. official gave a positive assessment of China's role in the standoff over Iran's nuclear program on Wednesday, saying Washington and Beijing had no major differences on the issue.
The United States and its European allies want Iran referred to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions over suspicions it is trying to build a nuclear weapon, but Russia and China are urging caution.
But on a trip to China, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick said China's concerns were about "tactics and timing" and there was no difference in "core principles."
The International Atomic Energy Agency meets on February 2 to discuss whether to refer Iran to the Security Council, which can authorize sanctions. As a permanent member of the council, China has the power to veto any proposals.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan said on Tuesday Beijing was studying a draft proposal from Britain, France and Germany to authorize the IAEA to take such action, but added China felt further diplomacy would be the better option.
During his three-day visit, Zoellick has urged China to become an active stakeholder in international security and said its size and economic power meant it could not avoid its role on the global stage.
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