Six-party talks -- 5th round

    BEIJING, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Tuesday called for committed diplomatic efforts to solve the nuclear issues on the Korean peninsular as well as in Iran.

    "Our goal is to bring about the peaceful resolution to these issues. But imposing sanctions will not necessarily get us there, and may even prove counterproductive," he said.

    Wen urged the parties involved to be cautious about moving toward sanctions.

    The premier made the remarks during an interview to journalists from five European news organizations, prior to his visit to the three European nations and one Asian country.

    Wen said the Chinese Government has consistently called for making the Korean Peninsula nuclear free through dialogue and negotiation and maintaining peace and stability on the peninsula. This is also the consensus of the international community, he added.

    Wen called on all sides to remain calm and restrained and refrain from any words or actions that could worsen the situation in order to create favorable conditions for the resumption of the six-party talks.

    On the nuclear issue in Iran, he said, a peaceful settlement will help ease tension in the Middle East, benefit world peace and stability, and is the best choice for all sides.

    "Iran should pay much attention to the concerns of the international community and take constructive measures," Wen said, noting the relevant sides should show patience and flexibility to push for an early resumption of the talks.

    Wen praised the European Union for its active role in the Korean nuclear issue, and for its important input in peacefully resolving the Iran nuclear issue, saying China would like to work with the EU and the other sides on the peaceful settlement of the two nuclear issues.

    Wen will visit Finland, the United Kingdom, Germany and Tajikistan from Sept. 9 to 16. He will also attend the ninth China-EU Summit and the sixth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). Enditem