Madam Chairman,

Chinese delegation welcomes the resolution just adopted by the Board without vote, and highly appreciates the UK, France, Germany, Iran as well as the other sides for their cooperation, coordination, mutual understanding and compromise, which are the Spirit of Vienna, in the process of resolution consultation. We would also like to express our thanks to the Director General of the Agency for his comprehensive report on the Iranian nuclear issue according to the resolution of the September Board Thanks would also be given to his statement a few minutes ago regarding the confirmation of Iran's full suspension of enrichment related activities.

Madam Chairman,

After more than two years of serious and professional verifications, the Agency has now a rather comprehensive understanding of Iran's nuclear activities and Iran's implementation of its safeguards agreement. Iran's corrective measures regarding the past undeclared activities have enabled the Agency to verify all nuclear materials declared by Iran. The Agency did not discover any diversion of these materials to prohibited activities. The issues related to uranium conversion and laser enrichment of uranium are now cleared up whereas the investigation on the two issues regarding uranium particle contamination and the history of centrifuges program are still under investigation. We hope, with the cooperation of Iran, these issues will soon be resolved. We also expect that Iran will continue to implement and ratify the Additional Protocol at an early date.

Madam Chairman,

In our view, this report is the basis and foundation for the Board to deal with the Iran nuclear issue. The DG's report also shows that the Agency is the appropriate venue to deal with this issue. We support the DG and the Secretariat to continue to work on the basis of the relevant Board resolutions until all problems are resolved.

Madam Chairman,

We are gratified to note that the diplomatic efforts made by the international community for a satisfactory solution of the Iranian nuclear issue have achieved positive results recently. A Framework Agreement has been reached between Iran and three EU member states for the solution of this issue, according to which Iran will voluntarily and on a continued basis, suspend all enrichment related and reprocessing activities. In the context of that basis, the two sides will set up a special committee to conduct negotiations on long-term cooperation in the areas of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science and technology and economy and trade. We welcome this positive result, and highly commend the diplomatic wisdom and flexibility shown by both sides. This agreement proves once more, that the Iranian nuclear issue can be solved through peaceful approach of dialog and negotiations. In the face of this hard won agreement, China hopes that both Iran and EU3 will earnestly implement the obligations undertaken in the agreement. We also hope that the international community will take a constructive attitude and support the efforts displayed by Iran and EU3 in this regard.

Madam Chairman,

China has always advocated that the Iranian nuclear issue should be resolved through consultations and dialog within the framework of the Agency. We believe this is also the wish of majority among the member states. The Agreement between EU3 and Iran, and the just adopted resolution by the Board has laid a good foundation for achieving the goal. We are confident that, with continued patience, equal footing negotiation, flexibility and pragmaticalness, and joint efforts, the Iranian nuclear issue would be resolved appropriately within the Agency's framework at an early date. This will contribute to the strengthening of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and will also contribute to preserving and reinforcing the Agency's role and credibility in the field of international nuclear non-proliferation. And, it will also contribute to assuring the rights of all countries, including Iran, in the areas of peaceful uses of nuclear energy under strict safeguards. Thus, it serves the interests of all parties. China is prepared to work with all parties and play a constructive role in realizing these goals.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.