Washington, Nov 11: Chances are "good" for a new round of multilateral talks on resolving the North Korean nuclear impasse to be held by the end of this year, probably next month, the top US diplomat for Asia said today. "I think they're good by the end of the year," said James Kelly, the Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and pacific affairs who will travel to South Korea, Japan and China next week to prepare for the talks. "A lot of people are pointing at December and, maybe so, but there are still details to be worked out," he told reporters at the state department after meeting with Vietnam's visiting defense minister. Kelly said he believed the unresolved details revolved entirely around the dates for the discussions to be held in Beijing. And he said he would likely make at least two trips to the region before the next round takes place.

"I'll be over and back at least probably twice before the talks happen," Kelly said.


North Korea agreed in principle late last month to attend a new round of talks following an inconclusive first round of six-way talks in Beijing in August.


The talks, which the us has insisted are the only way out of the deadlock, also include Russia, South Korea, Japan and North Korea.

Bureau Report