"We believe that the peaceful resolution of the DPRK nuclear issue through dialogue is not only in the interests of the countries concerned, but also conducive to regional peace and stability," Zhang Yan, the Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, told the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

"China always maintains that the only correct and effective approach to the settlement of international disputes and differences between states is by constructive dialogue, consultations and sincere cooperation on the basis of equality. The DPRK nuclear issue is no exception," Zhang said at a special session of IAEA Board of Governors following the adoption of a resolution on the DPRK nuclear issue.

The Vienna-based IAEA adopted a resolution on Monday, urging Pyongyang to comply with its obligations under relevant nuclear accords. The international nuclear watchdog said it prepares to report the DPRK nuclear issue to the United Nations Security Council if Pyongyang does not act.

Zhang said the international community should encourage the parties concerned to solve the problem through diplomatic and peaceful means, adding that China has noted the parties concerned have expressed such a desire.

He asked the parties concerned to exercise restraint and deal with the relevant issues with calmness and prudence, refrain from taking any actions that could further escalate the situation in order to create favorable conditions for a peaceful solution.

"It is our sincere hope that the parties concerned will proceed from the larger interest of maintaining peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and actively take the initiative to break the present impasse and create an atmosphere and conditions favorable for the restoration of dialogue."

Zhang stressed the importance of the 1994 Agreed Framework concluded between the DPRK and the United States and asked both countries to honor their commitment.

"The 1994 Agreed Framework ... has played an important role in preserving the denuclearization of the peninsula and maintaining its peace and stability. The international community attaches importance to this agreement.

"Under the present situation, the continued observance of the Agreed Framework by the parties concerned and the fulfillment of their commitments made there under are of positive significance for the relaxation of the situation and the eventual solution of the DPRK nuclear issue in a manner that is in the interests of all sides," he added.

Zhang said as a close neighbor of the Korean Peninsula, China always stands for, and actively works toward, the maintenance of peace and stability of the peninsula, supports the denuclearization of the peninsula and is opposed to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction there.

"We've been following with deep concern the recent development surrounding the situation of the DPRK nuclear issue and sincerely hope that this issue will be settled properly through dialogue as soon as possible so that the Korean Peninsula will truly realize peace and stability and the countries of this region will be able to devote themselves to the development of their economy and improvement of their people's living standards," Zhang said.

He pledged that the Chinese government will continue to support every effort and approach contributing to the peaceful solution of the DPRK nuclear issue.

(People's Daily January 7, 2003)