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China to facilitate early start of talks on N Korean nuke issue
Beijing, Aug 05: China, the closest ally of North Korea, today expressed readiness to facilitate and host the first multilateral talks on Pyongyang`s suspected nuclear weapons programme here at an early date so as to peacefully resolve the sensitive issue.
Beijing, Aug 05: China, the closest ally of North Korea, today expressed readiness to facilitate and host the first multilateral talks on Pyongyang's suspected nuclear weapons programme here at an early date so as to peacefully resolve the sensitive issue.
"China is ready to join efforts with relevant parties to push for an early start of the six-sided talks on the nuclear issue of North Korea," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Kong Quan said.
He said China supports expanding the range of participants of 'Beijing talks' and welcomes North Korea's announcement that the six-sided talks would be held in Beijing. After months of dilly-dallying, Pyongyang said on Friday it had accepted a six-way forum for talks to include North and South Koreas, Russia, Japan, China and the United States.
Details and timing of the talks are still being discussed, but US and South Korean officials have said they could come as early as this month. However, some reports say the talks could take place in early September.
In his reaction, Kong did not mention any date for the 'Beijing talks,' the first of which was held here in late April between North Korea, the United States and China. No breakthrough was achieved at that meeting. As host, China is willing to keep up consultations with relevant parties and join efforts to push for an early start of the six-party talks, Kong said while stressing that Beijing attaches importance to the peace and stability of the neighbouring Korean peninsula.
Bureau Report
He said China supports expanding the range of participants of 'Beijing talks' and welcomes North Korea's announcement that the six-sided talks would be held in Beijing. After months of dilly-dallying, Pyongyang said on Friday it had accepted a six-way forum for talks to include North and South Koreas, Russia, Japan, China and the United States.
Details and timing of the talks are still being discussed, but US and South Korean officials have said they could come as early as this month. However, some reports say the talks could take place in early September.
In his reaction, Kong did not mention any date for the 'Beijing talks,' the first of which was held here in late April between North Korea, the United States and China. No breakthrough was achieved at that meeting. As host, China is willing to keep up consultations with relevant parties and join efforts to push for an early start of the six-party talks, Kong said while stressing that Beijing attaches importance to the peace and stability of the neighbouring Korean peninsula.
Bureau Report