US-DPRK talks in Beijing focus on technical issues

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-01-2007 08:58

Talks between the US and the DPRK in Beijing this week will focus on technical issues involved with Pyonyang's nuclear shutdown.

No outstanding disputes are expected to be raised. US Assistant Secretary of State, Christopher Hill, says he will discuss a six-party agreement with his DPRK counterpart, Kim Kye Gwan. Under the deal, the DPRK has agreed to give up its nuclear programs in return for energy aid.

Hill says there is agreement on what needs to be done to achieve disablement of the DPRK's nuclear facilities.

Hill said, "So there are just some issues subject to technical matters. We are not in that situation where we want to do more and they want to do less, I think we are beyond that."

The DPRK has pledged to disable its main nuclear facilities and declare all of its nuclear programs by the end of the year.

Hill says he will discuss the DPRK's declaration when he meets Kim Kye Gwan.

Hill said, "It's the beginning of what should be a very busy two month period. So I wanted to talk to him about where we stand and talk to all our other partners."

Hill says they will also discuss the work of a team of experts, which heads to the DPRK on Thursday to start the disabling work.

Hill also says he will discuss the timing of a meeting of the six foreign ministers with China. He says the countries hope to hold the meeting by the end of the year.

Under a February agreement, the DPRK pledged to abandon its nuclear programs in exchange for the equivalent of one million tons of oil and political concessions. It has already shut down its sole operating reactor in Yongbyon.

Editor:Zhang Ning