No sign of Iran sanction breakthrough following Livni's China visit

Published:

10.30.07, 13:51 / Israel News

Israel's foreign minister wrapped up a visit to China on Tuesday with no sign of having broken down Beijing's opposition to new United Nations sanctions against Iran.

Tzipi Livni reiterated her calls for additional measures aimed at persuading Tehran to abandon its nuclear program, considered by Israel and the US a covert attempt to obtain atomic weapons. (AP)


US urges China to support sanctions
Mon, 05 Nov 2007 19:41:10

US Defense Secretary Robert Gates (L) stands with Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan

US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has expressed Washington's desire for Beijing to support US sanctions against the Islamic republic.

In his official visit on Monday, Gates held talks with Chinese Defense Minister General Cao Gangchuan.

Gates said Washington and Beijing agreed to pursue a resolution of the Iranian nuclear standoff through 'diplomatic means'.

"I stressed the importance of exerting continued economic pressure to persuade the Iranian government to make different choices," the Defense Secretary commented.

Since the ratification of new sanctions against Tehran last month, the White House has attempted to convince China and Russia to support the sanctions.

However, Moscow and Beijing insist on diplomacy, referring to UN nuclear watchdog's reports that there is 'no indication' that Iran is pursuing a nuclear weapons program.

MD/JC/RA