Should the China-sponsored Six-Party Talks on the Korean Peninsular nuclear crisis set an example on how to end the standoff over Iran's nuclear program?
When China, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, the United States and the European Union gather in Shanghai today, it could be the beginning of a breakthrough for the deadlocked talks on the Iranian crisis.
The six nations have taken a correct decision by committing themselves to keeping the talks alive.
Today, as the six nations and the EU discuss ways to restart talks with Iran over its nuclear program, they have a challenge before them.
Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei will be the host of the Shanghai gathering. This invitation shows the Chinese government's commitment to seeking dialogue and negotiations for settling Iran's nuclear issue.
The foreign ministers of the six nations told the world of their "serious concerns about the proliferation risks of the Iranian nuclear program" when the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1803 in March. The statement they issued after voting for the resolution leaves the door for an early negotiated solution to the issue ajar.
The US decision to commit itself to negotiation-based diplomacy for the Iranian nuclear program is sensible. The participation of the US in the multilateral talks would be the best way of holding the key Security Council members together and offering Iran the widest range of incentives for responsible behavior.
Iran has maintained however that using uranium enrichment technologies constitutes part of its basic right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
Given the wide divisions of opinion, future negotiations will probably be difficult.
Direct dialogue is a better way of easing the diplomatic crisis than the threat of military force.
To find a comprehensive and long-term resolution to the Iranian nuclear crisis, these nations need to show creativity and flexibility.
The Six-Party Talks on Korean Peninsular nuclear issue, which have been running successfully, are believed to display China's wisdom and patience.
We hope that the Shanghai meeting will work out a plan to resolve the Iranian crisis through dialogue.
(China Daily April 16, 2008)
