Parties target nuke-free peninsula
By Qin Jize (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-07-28 05:51

Kim Kye-gwan, head of the DPRK delegation, said Pyongyang is willing to abandon its nuclear programme if the nuclear threat from the United States is eliminated and bilateral relations normalized, the Yonhap news agency said.

He said the common goal for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula should be realized step-by-step based on mutual trust.

Kim also vowed the DPRK would abandon its nuclear weapons programme in a verifiable way if Washington promises to give up its intention to overthrow the DPRK's political system and adopts peaceful co-existence.

The United States has said it is ready to normalize relations with the DPRK if Pyongyang renounces its nuclear programme.

A senior US official said last night in Beijing that the US delegation is planning to hold more bilateral meetings with the DPRK this week within the framework of the Six-Party Talks.

Chinese chief delegate Wu Dawei called on all sides to seize opportunities, meet challenges and work together with their utmost political courage to create a better future for Northeast Asia.

Through a series of one-on-one meetings, the six parties exchanged views in a candid and in-depth way and enhanced mutual understanding, he said.

Japanese chief negotiator Kenichiro Sasae told the morning session that Japan is willing to co-operate with other countries and participate in the talks in a constructive manner.

He said the normalization of relationship between Tokyo and Pyongyang is in the common interests of both sides.