China urges early talks on Iran's nuclear program

BEIJING, Sept. 10 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on Thursday urged early talks on the Iran nuclear program, and said China has received a package of proposals raised by Iran.

"We just received the package of proposals and are studying it seriously," spokeswoman Jiang Yu said at a press briefing.

Iran on Wednesday handed over a new package of proposals to representatives of major powers, including the United States, Britain, China, Russia, France and Germany that are involved in talks over Iran's nuclear program.

"In the current situation, the concerned sides should step up diplomatic efforts and kick off talks at an early date, so as to come to a comprehensive, long-term and proper solution on the issue," Jiang said.

The United States and other Western countries claim that Iran intends to secretly develop nuclear weapons. The UN Security Council has also required Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities.

But Iran insists that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, and says it would continue uranium enrichment activities despite pressure from Western countries and UN sanctions.