China, which has opposed new UN sanctions on Iran over its nuclear programme, has agreed to meet world powers Thursday in New York to discuss punitive measures, France said. "The Chinese have agreed to speak tomorrow in New York among the six," Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said, referring to the negotiating group comprising Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the United States.
Speaking before the French parliament's foreign relations committee, Kouchner described the Chinese stance as "a positive factor" and "good news", and said they would take place at an ambassadorial level. "What's new is the announcement that China will take place in a discussion in New York," he explained, referring to the United Nations headquarters. "What will this discussion be like? We will be able to talk about a text, of content? Will we be going through the motions? I don't know," he admitted. France is seeking a draft sanctions resolution.
The US ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, told CNN television on Wednesday that Beijing "has agreed to sit down and begin serious discussions" on drawing up new sanctions against Iran.
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