EU, China call for implementation of Iran nuclear deal

BRUSSELS, June 1 (KUNA) -- The European Union and China Friday underlined support to the Iranian nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and called for the implementation of the agreement which is in jeopardy following the US decision to withdraw from it.
Speaking at a joint press conference after talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Brussels today, EU High Representative Federica Mogherini stressed: "The full continued implementation of the nuclear deal with Iran, that has been the result of twelve long years of diplomatic work in which China's has been essential and China's role continues to be essential in these weeks, months and years to come, in continuing the full implementation of the agreement." "We fully share our commitment to preserve the agreement and to work for its continuation. Chinaآ’s contribution is key and crucial in the implementation, so that Iran can continue economic benefits from the agreement," she said.
On his part, Wang Yi said: "The Iranian nuclear issue is of great interest to the international community. I agree with the EUآ’s view on this issue. China believes that complying with international agreements is a common sense in international relations. Major countries in particular must be examples in doing this not the opposite." He said China will work with the EU to continue upholding the sanctity and the effectiveness of the JCPOA, adding that "Chinaآ’s position is firm and we will be unswerving in holding it." "But of course China believes that no agreement is perfect and you cannot solve all issues through one agreement. We believe that the right choice is to continue and abide by the implementation of the JCPOA and at the same time through consultation establish a new platform to discuss the new developments and emerging concerns," he added.
Iran and the P5+1 (China France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States) reached agreement on the nuclear deal on July 14, 2015.
The two sides also touched upon the situation on the Korean Peninsula "where we have seen positive developments with regards to inter-Korean relations and I see clear support both for the inter-Korean reconciliation process as well as the dialogue between the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] and the United States," said Mogherini.
Later during the day EU and China will discuss cooperation as well on Afghanistan, on the situation of the Rohingya refugees, and also have in-debt discussions on the situation in the Middle East .. be it Syria, the Middle East Peace Process, but also our cooperation on Africa, she added. (end) nk.mt