Toyako, Japan - The Group of Eight (G8) leading industrial countries called Wednesday on Iran to suspend its nuclear programme, but again vowed to try and resolve the issue through negotiation.

"We express our serious concern at the proliferation risks posed by Iran's nuclear programme and Iran's continued failure to meet its international obligations," G8 leaders said in a statement issued at their meeting in Toyako, Japan.

The leaders urged Iran to comply with United Nations' Security Council resolutions addressing the matter and to "suspend all enrichment-related activities."

But they also agreed to "firmly support" the efforts made by China, France, Germany, Russia, Britain and the United States to resolve the issue "through negotiation."

The European Union's top foreign policy official, Javier Solana, travelled to Tehran on June 14 to deliver a new incentive package on their behalf. The package is designed to dissuade Iran from pursuing its nuclear programme, which Western powers say could be intended for military purposes.

G8 leaders urged Iran to "respond positively" to that offer on Wednesday.

In their statement, G8 leaders also welcomed North Korea's announcement that it would end its nuclear programme.

North Korea has already destroyed a cooling tower at its Yongbyon nuclear plant to show that its intentions are serious.

But G8 leaders Wednesday urged the government to "fully cooperate in the verification process, including its effective implementation." (dpa)