CRI听力:China Plays A Constructive Role in Iranian Talks

Negotiations in the latest round of the Iranian nuclear talks are into their 2nd and last day.

Both sides have been suggesting progress is being made in their talks in Vienna.

However, both the P5+1 and Iran admit there are still hurdles to overcome.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hong Lei:

"The Iranian nuclear issue is complicated. It is very difficult to conclude a comprehensive deal. It is inevitable that Iran and the six world powers to have differences. But importantly, the attitude of the parties involved is constructive, and all the parties have expressed their willingness to deal with each others' concerns, agreeing to continue to seek common-ground through negotiations. "

Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign policy chief, heads the P5+1 negotiation team.

"A lot of intensive work will be required to overcome the differences which naturally still exist at this stage in the process. We will now move to the next phase in the negotiations, in which we will aim to bridge the gaps in all the key areas and work on the concrete elements of a possible comprehensive agreement."

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has gone on-record this week saying Tehran will neither give up nor slow down its nuclear research and development as the nuclear talks continue.

This current round of negotiations comes ahead of the July 20th expiration of the current interim agreement, which has seen Iran curtail its nuclear enrichment activities in exchange for an easing of sanctions.

Both sides say they're planning to create separate final-draft agreements after this current round of talks is over.