The Chinese government is hoping for an objective and comprehensive report by Mohamed El Baradei, director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), on the Iran nuclear issue, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said yesterday.

Qin Gang said the issue was at a critical point, and the Chinese government called for international efforts, including help from the UN Security Council, to strengthen the authority andeffectiveness of the IAEA, and to resolve the issue through negotiation.

A diplomatic resolution was in the interests of all parties, and was conducive to international and regional peace and stability, Qin said.

He said the Chinese government hoped all sides could maintain patience and be flexible so as to avoid taking any action that could complicate the situation.

The Security Council unanimously adopted a presidential statement on March 29, calling on Iran to suspend all uranium enrichment-related activities and asked El Baradei to report on the progress of Iranian compliance within 30 days.