Iran Press/ Asia: Wang Wenbin answered China Daily's question about the virtual ministerial meeting of JCPOA on December 21 and China's contribution and outcomes of the meeting? State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended a virtual ministerial meeting of JCPOA participants on December 21. This meeting was convened as the situation surrounding the Iranian nuclear issue has reached a critical juncture. Attending foreign ministers exchanged views thoroughly on the Iranian nuclear issue's current situation and the direction it's heading towards.
Wang Wenbin said, to bring the JCPOA back on track, State Councilor Wang Yi made a four-point proposal at the meeting.
First, making relentless efforts to uphold the JCPOA. We must hold our ground more firmly against the Trump administration's maximum pressure, make more proactive efforts to uphold the Agreement, and reach out more to all relevant parties, to win more time and space for a turnaround of the situation.
Second, pushing for an early U.S. return to the JCPOA. The United States should rejoin the Agreement with no preconditions as early as possible. It should lift all sanctions on Iran and third-party entities and individuals. On this basis, Iran should fully resume compliance with its nuclear-related commitments. China proposes that JCPOA participants hold consultations on this as early as possible and then, upon reaching consensus, consider holding an international meeting with JCPOA parties and the United States to start the process for the United States to return to the deal.
Third, resolving the compliance issues fairly and impartially. Iran's scaling back of its commitments happened for a reason. We must stay united, manage differences, and secure Iran's legitimate economic interests.
Fourth, properly handling regional security issues. China proposes establishing a multilateral dialogue framework in the Gulf region to discuss regional security issues on the premise of upholding the JCPOA to build up consensus incrementally.
"All parties agreed that the US should return to the Agreement and resume compliance as soon as possible. Any party should set no preconditions for this," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stressed.
"In the joint statement issued after the meeting, JCPOA participants re-emphasized their commitment to preserving the Agreement and its full and effective implementation," the spokesman added.
"Ministers reiterated their deep regret towards the US withdrawal from the agreement. They stressed that resolution 2231 remains fully in force; Ministers acknowledged the prospect of a return of the United States to the JCPOA and underlined their readiness to address this in a joint effort positively," he highlighted.
"China will continue to work closely with the JCPOA participants to implement the joint statement actively, endeavour to stabilize the situation on the Iranian nuclear issue, bring the JCPOA back on track, and safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East," the spokesman said.
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