MOSCOW, October 15 (RIA Novosti) – Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister has encouraged six nations to revive talks regarding North Korea’s nuclear program as soon as possible, the Korea Herald reports.
During a security forum, Liu Jianchao voiced China’s view that breaking the current deadlock requires peaceful dialogue.
According to the high-profile diplomat, the six nations “should swiftly resume dialogue and negotiations and play a constructive role to safeguard peace and stability in Northeast Asia,” quotes the Korea Herald.
Jianchao had also praised North Korea for seeking to rectify its ailing economy and improving living conditions.
The six-party talks on North Korea’s nuclear program, involving China, North Korea, the USA, Russia, South Korea and Japan, had begun in 2003. In exchange for economic aid, Washington and Tokyo attempted to persuade Pyongyang to cease nuclear research and later liquidate its nuclear sites, which could allegedly be used for the creation of nuclear weaponry. The latest round of talks were held in 2007.
North Korea has barred IAEA experts from inspecting its nuclear sites.
