Mr. Chairman,

    The Board of Governors has just adopted the resolution on the Iranian nuclear issue without a vote. The Chinese side would like to take this opportunity to present its position and comments as follows:

    The Chinese delegation welcomes the progress achieved by the Agency on the verifications in Iran. We have noted that the action plan agreed during the Director General's visit to Iran in early April this year has been under steady implementation. The Iranian side has provided the initial declarations pursuant to its Additional Protocol to the Safeguards Agreement; has been cooperating in providing access to locations requested by the Agency's inspections, including locations situated at military sites; the Agency has made progress on verifying Iran's implementation of its decision to suspend voluntarily the enrichment related and reprocessing activities. We believe that the Iranian nuclear issue is continuing to develop along the right direction thanks to the efforts of Iran, the Agency and other parties.

    At the same time, we have also noted the number of issues pointed out in the DG's report that are to be further clarified by the Iranian side. Tackling these issues will help build the confidence of the international community, contribute to the ultimate solution of the Iranian nuclear issue and facilitate Iran's cooperation with foreign countries in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Therefore, the Chinese side encourages Iran to strengthen further its comprehensive cooperation with the IAEA and truly fulfils its commitments with a view to resolving the remaining issues as soon as possible. The Chinese side believes at the same time that the right of countries, including Iran, to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy should be respected.

    Mr. Chairman,

    The Chinese side appreciates the in-depth, detailed and professional verification by the Agency's Secretariat on the declared information submitted by Iran. China believes that the Agency carrying out its safeguards functions and duties seriously in accordance with the Agency's Statute, the Safeguards Agreement and its Additional Protocol and under the authorization of the Board is of great significance for preserving and strengthening the status and role of the IAEA in the international non-proliferation regime. China supports the Agency in continuing verification work in Iran in accordance with the above-mentioned international instruments and with the authorization of the Board.

    Mr. Chairman,

    The present steady progress achieved by the Agency on its verifications in Iran shows that the Iranian nuclear issue can very well be resolved within the framework of the Agency by diplomatic means of dialogue and cooperation in a peaceful manner. We appreciate the spirit of cooperation and pragmatism shown by the various parties on the relevant issues during the current session of the Board and the continued constructive role played by the three EU countries. We hope that the resolution just adopted by the Board will facilitate a proper resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue within the framework of the Agency. This is also in the common interests of the entire international community, including Iran