Negotiations are the best way to resolve the dispute over Iran's nuclear program and China supports efforts to continue the contact between Iran and the European Union (EU), the Chinese top envoy in Vienna said on Wednesday.

Addressing a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Tang Guoqiang, China's permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Vienna, said the current situation regarding the nuclear issue is delicate and could worsen if not handled properly.

The IAEA governing board is meeting in Vienna to discuss a deal reached last month between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog that demands Iran answer outstanding questions about its nuclear program.

The UN Security Council has imposed sanctions on Tehran for its failure to suspend uranium enrichment activities, which Western nations suspect are a cover for efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

Negotiations aimed at resolving the issue peacefully are the best choice and meet the interests of all parties concerned, Tang said.

China welcomes the progress made in talks between Iran and the UN's nuclear watchdog, and currently urgent work needs to be done to boost the cooperation between the two sides in implementing the work plans, he said.

Continuing the dialogue between Iran and the EU, which is a major part of diplomatic efforts to resume negotiations, helps both sides understand their respective concerns and clarify relevant issues, Tang said.

China will continue working to push for a solution to the nuclear issue through negotiations, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2007)