Six-party talks conclude as disagreements exist

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, February 28, 2004

Six-party talks conclude as disagreements exist

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Six-party talks conclude

The second round of the six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue ended Saturday afternoon with the six sides reaching consensus on setting up a working group and on the next round of talks.

The talks, which began Wednesday among the United States, China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea and Japan, focused on the goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing said at the closing ceremony of the second round of six-party talks Saturday in Beijing that the six delegations had reached consensus on setting up a working group and the next round of talks.

The consensus "is of great importance in pushing forward the process of dialogue," he said in a speech at the end of three and half days of talks at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

Six-party talks conclude in Beijing

The importance of the second-round talks was that the six delegations held substantial dialogue and made "a big step forward" toward the realization of the final goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, said Li.

"Profound and constructive" discussions were held at the second round of talks and the six sides put forward "valuable suggestions" with their "wisdom" and "reason", said the Chinese foreign minister.

"Spring is a season full of hope," he said. "There is a thorny long way to go, but time is on our side and time is on the side o fpeace."

He admitted that there are still disagreements among different sides because of historical and other factors. He hoped that relevant sides would take a "constructive attitude" and gradually narrow the differences and expand common ground.

"No matter what the difficulties face us and no matter what ups and downs appear, we should adhere to the peace process and try to solve the Korean nuclear issue through dialogue," said Li.

He urged the parties concerned to "make unremitting efforts to write a new chapter of peace and reconciliation". "There is a thorny long way to go, but time is on our side and time is on the side of peace," he said.

Achievements hard-won, worth valuing

The achievements of the six-party talks are hard-won and deserve to be treasured by all sides, said the Chinese Foreign Minister.

"Some people may think that not enough progress was made, and the talks did not go fast enough," Li said, "but in my opinion, the achievements were hard-won and worth valuing since this round of talks had been started when mutual trust was lacking among relevant sides and their differences were growing. The achievements are the fruit of the parties' tireless efforts and reflect the parties' political will to push forward the peace process."

He said the people from the six nations need peace, long for peace and love peace, and so does the whole world.

On the other hand, the United States described the second roundof the six-party talks as "very successful."

A senior official of the United States also said on condition of anonymity after the end of the talks that China was not only a "participant", but also a "facilitator", and has done an "exceptional job."

A press conference is scheduled to be held soon by Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Wang Yi, head of the Chinese delegation tothe talks.

The six parties have been working hard to hammer out a joint document. Liu Jianchao, member of the Chinese delegation, said earlier that the document was hopeful.

A press conference by the host country will be held at 17:00 (0900 GMT) Saturday by Chinese Deputy Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also head of the Chinese delegation.

Some Chinese observers said the result of the current round canbe applauded.

"The six parties came together, held serious talks, and have reached importance consensus," said Yang Chengxu, a Chinese experton arms control and foreign policy observer. "I think we should congratulate on it although severe differences remain."

Piao Jianyi, a Chinese expert on the Korean study, said ForeignMinister Li's mention of spring indicated that it is possible new progress can be expected later this year.

Delegates of the United States, China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Japan began the second round of talks on Wednesday. The first round of talks was held in the Chinese capital last August.

By People's Daily Online

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