S.Korea FM calls for positive moves in reviving 6-party talks

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-14-2006 08:42

South Korea's new foreign minister Song Min-soon has called for real progress in reviving talks on the DPRK's nuclear program. He said Seoul would play an active role in persuading Pyongyang to disarm.

This is the first time the new South Korean foreign minister Song Min-soon has spoken to the media since he took office at the beginning of the month.

He said shutting down nuclear facilities clearly serves DPRK's interests.

"We hope North Korea will understand the importance of this chance and to make efforts to produce visible steps."said Song Min-soon.

The nuclear talks - which also includes China, Japan, Russia and the United States - are set to resume in Beijing on Monday.

He also said the five other parties should take corresponding steps if the DPRK takes visible steps toward dismantling its nuclear weapons program.

Last month, Washington gave the DPRK details about the kind of economic and energy assistance it would get in exchange for shutting down its nuclear facilities.

It remains unclear whether the DPRK has accepted the proposal.

Editor:Du Xiaodan