China hopes the parties involved in Iran's nuclear talks will be able to exert more political will and meet an upcoming deadline to reach an agreement to end the dispute over Tehran's nuclear program, Xinhua quoted a foreign ministry spokesperson as saying on Monday.
Hua Chunying made the remarks at a regular press conference when asked to comment on the negotiations between Iran and the six major powers in the Austrian capital of Vienna last week.
Political directors of Iran, China, France, Russia, Britain, the United States, and Germany met last Thursday, trying to narrow gaps for a comprehensive nuclear agreement by the November 24 deadline.
Wang Qun, China's envoy to the talks and director general of China's Department of Arms Control, said the sides are still faced with difficulties in reaching a deal by the deadline.
He said although there had been some progress in the talks, "creative ideas are needed for a breakthrough."
China will continue to work with the parties involved to push for a fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial agreement at an early date, said Hua.
The talks in Vienna were hit by disputes over what limits should be placed on Iran's atomic activities, particularly its enrichment of uranium, and on the process of lifting US, UN, and EU sanctions.
"We must spare no effort as long as there is a ray of hope," Hua said.
