UNITED NATIONS, April 26 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for on Thursday an early and peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.

    Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters after a week-long trip from Europe and the Middle East, Ban said he discussed with EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solana on Wednesday about his talks with Iran's top nuclear negotiator Ali Larijani.

    "I strongly encouraged again the Iranians and ... the international community, led by the European Union, should resolve this issue as soon as possible," Ban said.

    "At the same time, I would like to strongly urge again the Iranian authorities to fully comply with the Security Council resolution and engage in dialogue with the international community for a peaceful resolution of this issue as soon as possible," he added.