US envoy said no progress on 1st day

Source: CCTV.com | 12-19-2006 18:46

As the Six-party Talks enters its second day, envoys from six countries have expressed mixed views about what has been achieved so far.

US envoy Christopher Hill said little progress had been made on the first day of talks. Hill also seemed pessimistic about prospects for the rest of the week.

Hill said, "In terms of implementing the Joint Statement I didn't feel I could see too much progress from yesterday."

In contrast, Chinese negotiator Wu Dawei is clearly positive about the direction of the talks. He has called on all sides to decide on a course of action to continue the resolution process. Wu says the first step is to map out measures that could help implement the joint statement.

Meanwhile, envoys from Japan and the ROK say that any progress will depend on the DPRK. They've added that further discussion will be based on Monday's opening statements - in which all six parties made clear their stances.

Japanese envoy Kenichiro Sasae said, "North Korea needs to think about what it needs and what it wants. Progress depends on them."

Chun Yung-woo, South Korean envoy said, "Today we are expecting to continue our negotiations based on yesterday's speech."

Monday's opening meeting marks the second phase of the fifth round of Six-party Talks and focuses on resolving nuclear issues on the Korean Peninsular.

On Monday, DPRK envoy Kim Kye-gwan spelled out sweeping demands in return for scrapping its nuclear weapons program. Preconditions include the lifting of UN sanctions and US financial curbs, as well as provision of a new nuclear reactor.

Editor:Ji Xuewen