China ignores Russian talks of anti-Iran sanctions

"We believe there is still room for diplomatic efforts and parties concerned should step up efforts," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang was quoted on Tuesday.

His remarks came after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said Monday he was open to new anti-Iran sanctions but was hoping new punitive measures could be avoided.

"We are optimists and we are not losing the feeling that we may achieve success," Medvedev told reporters after meeting with his French counterpart Nicolas Sarkozy in Paris. "Nonetheless, if it doesn't work out ... Russia is ready to consider with our other partners the question of introducing sanctions."

President Sarkozy said Russia would be onboard with US-led efforts to punish Iran for its nuclear work as long as the measures would not "create humanitarian dramas."

Iran's foreign minister, Manouchehr Mottaki, in response, said Tehran will continue to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

"We have fully cooperated with the agency. This cooperation will continue," Mottaki said.

He also welcomed calls for further negotiations over the issue.


/Press TV/