A senior Chinese official has urged the international community to resume negotiations on Iran's disputed nuclear program.

In talks with Iran's visiting chief nuclear negotiator Thursday, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said China is committed to a peaceful and diplomatic solution. Tang said renewed dialogue is the only way for all sides to reach an agreement on the nuclear issue.

Negotiator Ali Larijani said Iran is also seeking what he called a "reasonable solution" through talks. He stressed that Iranian officials will continue to honor a nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Larijani is in Beijing on a two-day official visit for talks with senior Chinese officials.

China's official Xinhua news agency says Larijani is expected to meet Chinese President Hu Jintao Friday.

China supports Iran's right to a nuclear program. But, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, it voted for a resolution that imposed sanctions targeting Iran's nuclear industry and ballistic missile program.

... Payvand News - 1/5/07 ... --