Comprehensive Iranian nuclear deal supposed to be reached: Chinese FM (5)

VIENNA, July 2 -- The basic elements for reaching a comprehensive nuclear deal has been provided, and there should be an accord to be agreed on in the final talks, Chinese Foreign Minster Wang Yi told reporters here on Thursday.

After meeting with foreign ministers involved in the ongoing nuclear negotiation, Wang Yi expressed his optimism about the expected comprehensive nuclear deal.

"I think the basic elements for reaching a comprehensive nuclear deal have been provided, the time to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue has come," Wang said.

After arriving in the capital of Austria, Wang held bilateral meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius in Palais Coburg.

Iran and five UN Security Council permanent members plus Germany have been negotiating over the past 16 months to reach a long-term deal over Tehran's disputed atomic plan.

"The possibility of reaching a deal is very high, a deal should be agreed on," Wang told reporters.