China
6-party talks on DPRK´s nuclear issue open on Dec. 18 in Beijing
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But the DPRK demands that guarantees come before any action.
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| Wu Dawei(R), Chinese deputy foreign minister, shakes hands with Kim Kye-gwan, vice foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), before a dinner in Beijing, Dec. 17, 2006. The second phase of the fifth-round six-party talks is to be formally launched on Dec. 18, 2006 in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua Photo/Wang Jianhua) |
Earlier, Kim Kye-gwan stated the DPRK would not abandon its nuclear weapons, until the US dropped its "hostile policy" towards it. He said, "The reason why there is friction between the DPRK and the US is not because we made nuclear weapons, but because of the US policy."
Such disagreements between the two sides have cast a cloud over the prospects for the talks.
But the other parties are cautiously optimistic about the possible outcome.
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| Wu Dawei(R), Chinese deputy foreign minister, shakes hands with Chun Yung Woo，Chief negotiator of the Republic of Korea (ROK), before a dinner in Beijing, Dec. 17,2006. The second phase of the fifth-round six-party talks is to be formally launched on Dec. 18, 2006 in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua Photo/Wang Jianhua)(Xinhua Photo) |
ROK chief negotiator Chun Yung-Woo said, "Whether to catch this chance or lose totally depends on the participating nation's political will."
