China hopes all parties concerned can exercise restraint over the Iranian nuclear standoff and avoid actions that might aggravate the situation, a senior Chinese diplomat said in Tehran on Saturday.

 

A diplomatic solution to the standoff is the best choice that serves the interests of all related parties, said visiting assistant to Chinese Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai.

 

Cui appealed to relevant parties to make constructive efforts to create necessary conditions for an early resumption of talks over the Iranian nuclear issue.

 

Cui, who arrived here Saturday on a working visit, held talks with several senior Iranian officials on the Iranian nuclear crisis.

 

(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2006)