BEIJING, Sept. 22 (Xinhuanet) -- China Thursday called for the early resumption of talks between Iran and the European Union (EU) to solve the Iran nuclear issue within the framework of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    "The urgency at present is to resume negotiations between Iran and the EU at an early date," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang.

    "The negotiations will help the two sides bridge their differences and finally secure a solution acceptable to all sides," said Qin at a regular news briefing.

    Qin urged the parties concerned to take a long-term vision, exercise restraint and continue diplomatic negotiations and settle the nuclear issue within the framework of the IAEA.

    "This is conducive to the regional peace and stability and to maintaining the mechanism of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)," said Qin.

    Qin said "there is still room for resolving the Iran nuclear issue through dialogue," urging parties concerned to show flexibility and make efforts for an early resolution of the nuclear issue.

    "China will work with the international community to play a constructive role in solving the nuclear issue at an early date," Qin added.

    The EU on Tuesday circulated a draft resolution to the 35 members of the IAEA Board of Governors. The draft would refer Iran to the United Nations Security Council.

    But the EU has backed away from its demand on Thursday.

    Iran resumed uranium conversion work in August, after rejecting the EU offer to give up its nuclear fuel activities in return for economic and technical incentives. Iran insists that it would never give up legal rights to produce nuclear fuel for fully peaceful purposes.

    The United States and the EU suspect Iran of developing nuclear weapons under cover of a civilian nuclear program, a charge rejected by Tehran. Enditem