The Foreign Ministry said yesterday that China welcomes Nepal's efforts to realize political reconciliation and restore social stability.

Nepalese King Gyanendra on Monday night announced he will restore the House of Representatives he dissolved in 2002. The country's major political parties consider this a positive move, which could help end the unrest that killed 14 people and left 5,000 injured since April 6.

"We would like to see a peaceful, harmonious, stable and progressive Nepal," the ministry's spokesman Qin Gang said at a regular press conference.

Noting China and Nepal are friendly neighbors, Qin said the Chinese government has always respected the choices made by the king, the parties and the people of Nepal on their system of government and path of development.

Turning to the Iranian nuclear issue, Qin said China maintains "there still exists the possibility of solving the issue through negotiations."

He urged all parties concerned to be flexible and properly settle the issue through dialogue and consultation.

"The international community should not give up peaceful negotiation and all measures should be conducive to the peaceful settlement of the issue," he said.

During his visit to the US last week, President Hu Jintao talked with US President George W. Bush about the Iran nuclear issue and they both agreed they would continue to consult each other, Qin said.

During his visit, Hu also exchanged views with Bush on the Taiwan issue, Qin said.

China and the US have further clarified their principled stances on the issue, which helps to safeguard peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, he said.

Such a move will also "promote development, prosperity and stability of the Asia-Pacific region," he added.

Hu expounded China's views on the current situation of the Taiwan Straits and China's principled stance on the issue, he said.

China appreciates the statements repeatedly made by President Bush and the US government on their adherence to the one-China policy, observance of the three Sino-US joint communiqués and opposition to "Taiwan independence," Qin said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 26, 2006)