The first phase of the fifth
round of six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue
concluded in Beijing today, with the parties agreeing to hold the
second phase "at the earliest possible date," according to a
chairman's statement issued at the closing ceremony.
"The parties reaffirmed that they would fully implement the
joint statement in line with the principle of 'commitment for
commitment, action for action,' so as to realize the verifiable
denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula at an early date and
contribute to lasting peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula
and Northeast Asia," the statement said.
It said the parties conducted "serious, pragmatic and
constructive discussions" and put forward proposals on how to
implement the joint statement agreed at the fourth round of talks
in September.
The parties emphasized they are willing to comprehensively
implement the joint statement through confidence building, carry
out all commitments, commence and conclude the process in a timely
and coordinated manner and achieve balanced interests and mutually
beneficial results through cooperation.
"The parties agreed to formulate concrete plans, measures and
steps to fulfill the joint statement in accordance with the
aforementioned spirit," read the statement.
The first phase of the fifth round of talks, involving China,
Japan, North Korea, Russia, South Korea and the US, started on
Wednesday.
(Xinhua News Agency November 11, 2005)