NEW YORK: UN Security Council on Friday failed to pass a resolution to extend sanctions relief to Iran under a 2015 nuclear deal. China’s representative expressed deep regret over the resolution’s failure, stressing that resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation is of vital importance.
The draft resolution, tabled by China and Russia, received four votes in favor, nine votes against and two abstentions, failing to secure the nine positive votes required for adoption.
The text sought to extend the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) for six months until next April, as well as Council resolution 2231 that endorsed it. It also encouraged continued engagement between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency. The rejection means that sanctions that were lifted under the deal will be re-imposed starting on Saturday evening, according to the United Nations.
Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, said he deeply regretted that the resolution was not adopted and called for upholding regional peace and stability.
“A breakdown in the Iranian nuclear issue could trigger a new regional security crisis which runs counter to common interests of the international community,” he said.
Geng articulated three guiding principles for settling the Iranian nuclear issue: safeguarding regional peace and stability; resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation; and upholding the JCPOA in both letter and spirit.
He called on the U.S. to respond to Iran’s proposal for resuming talks without using force and urged European nations to abandon sanctions pressure in favor of genuine diplomatic efforts.
The envoy reaffirmed China’s commitment to international peace and security and its willingness to continue diplomatic efforts for a comprehensive political resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.
He stressed that China stands ready to work with all sides, upholding an objective and fair position, and continue making efforts to achieve a comprehensive political settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.
