Six-party talks focus on energy aid, uncertainty remains for deal

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-12-2007 09:08

The six parties involved in the Korean nuclear issue remained divided on compensation measures for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) as the talks entered the fourth day on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2006.(Xinhua Photo)

After four days of talks, envoys at the Six-party talks remain divided on the means to resolve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula.

The sticking point appears to be the specifics of energy cooperation with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Negotiators are consulting on a Chinese draft document that spells out the moves the DPRK must take. It must abandon its nuclear program in return for economic aid and security guarantees.

The draft also proposes a halt, within two months, of work at nuclear sites in the DPRK, including the Yongbyon reactor. In return, Pyongyang will get a supply of alternative energy sources.

Top US envoy Christopher Hill and his DPRK counterpart, Kim Kye-Gwan, held their first one-on-one consultation since this phase of talks resumed on Thursday.

Hill said, "Now, we understand you can't just get there in one jump, you have to take several steps. So we are prepared to take several steps, we are prepared to help the DPRK along the way, especially in economic and energy terms."

China also held one-on-one talks with each of the other five parties on Sunday. One obstacle to reaching a deal is the volume and timing of energy cooperation with the DPRK.

Kenichiro Sasae, top Japanese envoy to 6-party talks, said, "The DPRK expects too much in terms of energy aid. This is the problem, and unless they change their thinking, it will be difficult to reach an agreement."

Chun Yung-Woo, top S.Korean envoy to 6-party talks, said, "Disagreements on contentious issues are narrowing, but we are trying to get them to narrow further. A breakthrough is not in sight. We will have to hold more discussions on Monday."

Russian representative, Alexander Losyukov, told reporters the talks will end on Monday, with the likely release of a joint statement.

He also said he hoped working groups can be set up soon to conduct more detailed discussions.

Editor:Du Xiaodan