China diplomat to discuss Iran nuclear dispute

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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.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/PEK161661.htm