China calls for end to 'force' against Iran

China has called for an end to the 'use of force' against Tehran in a move that will further complicate the push for new anti-Iran sanctions.

Days after the US failed to convince the United Nations Security Council permanent members plus Germany to impose further sanctions against Tehran, China has urged world powers not to resort to 'force' over Iran's nuclear program.

"Major powers should pursue peaceful talks with Iran rather than resort to the willful use of force or the intimidation of force," Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao said Sunday in his first interview with US media in five years.

World powers on Friday held a surprise meeting on the issue of sanctions over Iran's uranium enrichment activities, following fierce Russian opposition to the idea of adopting new sanctions.

Although China and Russia oppose further sanctions, a draft resolution was prepared and passed unanimously on Saturday by the UN Security Council.

The resolution, which Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described as "very simple" urges Iran to comply with existing resolutions but does not include new sacntions... Press TV