6-party nuclear talks resume amid hope for progress

Source: CCTV.com | 02-09-2007 08:35

The six-party nuclear talks resumed on Thursday. Top of the agenda is how exactly to implement the 2005 joint statement in which Pyongyang must abandon its nuclear program in exchange for economic aid and security guarantees.

China says it'll work with all parties, as they push for denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

All the delegation leaders repeated their determination to stay committed to the Six-party talks, and de-nuclearize the Korean Peninsula through peaceful dialogue.

After a plenary session, a spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry said he sees greater consensus this time adding that this should promote understanding and trust that will also help facilitate the Six-party talks.

Qin Gang, spokesman Chinese Foreign Ministry, said, "The participants have reiterated their willingness and determination to stick to Six-party talks, resolve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue and realize denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue. They've also agreed to overcome all difficulties to do this."

The US chief envoy to the talks was more cautiously optimistic, but conceded the possibility of an agreement with Pyongyang. He said Thursday's discussion put all parties on the path to agreement at least on some points.

Hill said, "We hope we can achieve some kind of joint statement here, and we'll have to see if we actually get that. And if we do, as I said, it'll be a good first step in terms of implementing the September statement."

Top DPRK envoy, Kim Kye-gwan, said success will depend on whether the US can give up what he called its "hostile policy" towards Pyongyang.

Kim Kye-gwan, said, "We are neither optimistic nor pessimistic. It is because there are many points of disagreement and success will depend on how we resolve them."

South Korean delegate leader, Chun Yung-Woo, spoke upon arrival in Beijing saying he hoped for an early consensus on first steps. He added that this would be key to building trust, and implementing the joint statement from 2005.

Chun Yung-Woo, said, "The initial steps of the implementation of the September 19 joint statement are the first steps to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. The participants have agreed to realize denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula as soon as possible."

Diplomats are optimistic this stage of talks will see some substantial progress. And if that happens, the next challenge for all six sides will be how to act on agreements reached.

Editor:Du Xiaodan