US Hill hopeful for next round of six-party talks

US Hill hopeful for next round of six-party talks
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Source: CCTV.com | 06-20-2008 09:25
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill has held discussions on the six-party talks with Japanese and South Korean officials in Tokyo. Hill visited Japan ahead of talks with Wu Dawei, China's top nuclear negotiator, in Beijing on Friday.

After talks with Japanese negotiator Akitaka Saiki, Hill said he is hopeful that the next round of talks will move the denuclearisation process forward.

Hill said, "We really look forward to getting together - the six-parties - and seeing if we can get through this phase and get on to the next phase and finish this job. Obviously it's a difficult task but I think it will be made easier when the US and Japan can work closely together and that's what we're doing today."

Saiki said there are still a number of issues that need further negotiations.

Saiki said said, "We need to negotiate further on various issues including the timing of the declaration. With that in mind, along with what sort of dialogue could be held in Beijing, we discussed how each of us should continue to push forward the process."

Hill and Saiki later held talks with South Korea's top nuclear negotiator, Kim Sook.

Hill stressed that the US has not soften its stance on the DPRK, saying the goal is complete denuclearisation. Kim Sook echoed his view.

The trilateral meeting came after US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, said the DPRK will soon make a declaration of all its nuclear weapons programs.

Pyongyang has missed the declaration deadline set by the six-party talks held in Beijing in February of last year.

The declaration is key to the US removing the DPRK from its list of state sponsors of terrorism and waiving trade penalties.




Editor:Du Xiaodan

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