Beijing, Jan 08: China today claimed "new
progress" in its mediating efforts to narrow down differences
between Washington and Pyongyang in order to hold the second
round of the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear
issue.
"Preparations for the six-party talks on the Korean
nuclear issue have seen new progress," Chinese foreign
ministry spokesman Kong Quan told reporters here today.
China has been in close contact and communication with
the concerned parties regarding the preparations for the
second round of six-party talks, Kong said at a regular
ministry briefing.
"We are glad to see that the preparatory works have
made constant progress," he said while noting that through the
mediating efforts of the Chinese side, differences between the
various sides was narrowing.
"Now all parties have better understanding of each
other's positions. So we believe that the preparations for the
second round of the six-party talks are making progress," Kong
said. China hosted the first round of the talks in late
August last year, which could not make much headway. The talks
were attended by the United States, North Korea, South Korea,
China, Japan and Russia.
"We hope that the next round of talks could be held as
soon as possible. The Chinese side has been working in this
regard and making mediating efforts," Kong said.
Bureau Report
