Envoys to 6-party talks voice optimism ahead of news talks

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-08-2007 08:36

The latest phase of the Six-party talks starts later today in Bejing.

China again takes center stage in the latest talks aimed at averting a nuclear crisis. Envoys from Russia, the US, Japan, South Korea, and the DPRK are in Beijing for talks starting on Thursday. They're aiming to implement a 2005 statement that offers the DPRK economic and security concessions, in return for ending its nuclear weapons program.

Christopher Hill, US envoy to six-party talks, said, "It is a very important session. We all know what we need to try to accomplish so let's hope we have some success but you know it will depend on all parties."

South Korean envoy, Chun Yung-woo, and Japan's chief delegate, Kenichiro Sasae, echoed the need to make headway at this latest session.

Chun Yung-Woo, S. Korean envoy to six-party talks, said, "The Six-party talks are now at a moment of truth. In this round, we must turn a corner to make the DPRK's pledge to denuclearization a reality."

The latest round is likely to focus on persuading the DPRK to shut down its Yongbyon nuclear plant, which produces the plutonium needed for its nuclear weapons program.

But DPRK has its own demands, which may bog down negotiations as they did in the last round of talks in December.

DPRK has said it will only scrap its nuclear weapons program if Washington eases financial restrictions against Pyongyang put in place in 2005.

Editor:Du Xiaodan