China urges proper resolution of DPRK funds issue

Source: CCTV.com | 04-13-2007 18:06

China is calling for early implementation of a February agreement from the six-party nuclear talks. Officials hope the interests and concerns of all parties will be considered in the process. This follows a US announcement that the DPRK's money frozen in Macao's Banco Delta Asia has been released.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang says time is still needed to fully resolve the financial dispute between the US and the DPRK. He stresses the legal concerns of the Macao Special Administration Region should be considered.

Qin Gang, spokesman Chinese Foreign Ministry, said, "We think, as I mentioned, there are two principles concerning the BDA issue. One is that resolving the issue should help maintain the financial and social stability of Macao. The other is that it should be beneficial to the six-party talks process."

The Macao administration said on Wednesday it will continue to deal with the issue of the DPRK's frozen funds, but hopes the parties concerned make a responsible arrangement. It asked for the US to help to transfer the unblocked money, and that Washington no longer accuse the Macao bank of being involved in money laundering.

The United States said Tuesday that about 25 million US dollars in frozen DPRK funds at the Banco Delta Asia were released. It considers the BDA issue over, and is asking the DPRK to start shutting down the Yongbyon nuclear plant as soon as possible.

At the six-party talks in February, Pyongyang agreed to a plan to close the plant by Saturday. But it may ask for an extension of the deadline because of the delay over the BDA issue.

That issue has bogged down efforts to end the DPRK's nuclear program since September 2005.

Editor:Du Xiaodan