China, DPRK, US chief delegates to 6-party talks meet in Beijing

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-29-2006 08:50

A flurry of diplomacy is underway in Beijing to resume the six-party talks on the DPRK nuclear issue. A series of bilateral and trilateral meetings have already been held. And the United States says it will hold a second round of talks with the DPRK on Wednesday.

China held bilateral meetings with Japan and South Korea on Monday. And more meetings took place after the DPRK's Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan arrived in Beijing on Tuesday morning.

Jiang Yu, chinese foreign ministry spokesperson,said, "A string of bilateral and trilateral meetings have been convened today. Five parties, excluding Russia, are still working on the details of jump-starting the stalled six-party talks."

However, Kim Kye Gwan made some remarks upon his arrival in Beijing that have clouded the prospects of the six-party negotiations.

DPRK envoy arrives in Beijing. Full story >>

"We told the United States on October 30th that we can always come back to the talks. Because after the nuclear test, we gained a defense against those who are trying to suppress us. Now we're very confident, and so we're ready to come back to the talks anytime. "he said.

In response, Chinese reiterated its stance on the Korean nuclear crisis.

"China maintains that the Korean Peninsular should be denuclearized. The current nuclear crisis should be peacefully solved through dialogue and negotiation. The six-party mechanism is still the best solution." said Jiang Yu, chinese foreign ministry spokesperson.

Hill arrives in Beijing.	Japan's top negotiator arrives in Beijing.

Washington has provided additional incentives for Pyongyang's return, saying it is willing to address financial restrictions on the DPRK that have been tightened since last year.

The big question is whether the US and the DPRK, the two main parties, can agree on preconditions for resuming the six-party talks. The Chinese side is busy with diplomatic efforts to get the negotiations going again.

Editor:Du Xiaodan