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Beijing (AFP): A top North Korean envoy said Tuesday that a welcome change in attitude by the United States in nuclear negotiations could lead to initial steps in dismantling Pyongyang's weapons programme. “There was a positive change in the American side's attitude,” Japan's Jiji press quoted Pyongyang's top nuclear negotiator, Kim Kye-Gwan, as saying in Beijing.
Kim was referring to rare one-on-one talks held last week in Berlin with his US counterpart, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, which focused on the nuclear dispute.
“I am satisfied (with the talks),” he said.
When asked if the next round of six-nation talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons programme would lead to implementation of some initial steps agreed to in the forum in September 2005, Kim responded affirmatively.
“We are working hard at the moment to create that possibility,” he said.
The Stalinist regime stunned the world last October when it tested a nuclear device for the first time, triggering global condemnation and UN sanctions but also adding urgency to efforts to resume stalled disarmament talks.
North Korea had agreed in the September 2005 pact to dismantle its nuclear programme in return for diplomatic recognition and food and energy aid, but it was never implemented because Pyongyang later walked out in protest at US financial sanctions.
The six-nation talks, which began in 2003, involve hosts China, the United States, the two Koreas, Japan and Russia.
Kim met with South Korea's envoy to the talks, Chun Yung-Woo, in Beijing on Tuesday.
Hill, who departed Beijing on Monday after briefing his Chinese counterparts on the Berlin meeting, said he expected China to announce the next round of six-party talks by the end of this week.
On Tuesday, China's foreign ministry spokesman said no date for resumption of the talks had been decided, but urged all sides to maintain constructive efforts.
“All sides have agreed to resume the six-party talks as soon as possible and China is actively making preparations for the resumption,” Liu said.
“All sides should adopt a constructive attitude, an attitude that is beneficial for pushing forward the Korean Peninsula nuclear problem through peaceful dialogue.”
