All sides trying to resolve the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue
are engaged in intense diplomacy to take the negotiations forward
after North Korea's US$25 million was transferred from a
Macao-based bank to a Russian financial institution, foreign
ministry spokesperson Qin Gang said at a regular press conference
yesterday.
Qin said China appreciates the positive attitude and
constructive efforts of all the sides. He urged them to continue
with their positive actions and implement the initial agreements in
a balanced and comprehensive manner.
Addressing a regular press briefing, Qin said China has been in
constant touch with the other sides to decide on the right time to
resume the six-party talks.
International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Olli
Heinonen is in Pyongyang to ensure that North Korea has started the
process to shut off its main nuclear reactor, he said. Heinonen
will brief China about the developments in North Korea after his
five-day visit.
After the US$25-million funds dispute was settled, Pyongyang
promised to move forward on a February agreement and shut down its
Yongbyon reactor in exchange for aid.
Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will visit North Korea on July 2,
following the US nuclear envoy Christopher Hill's unexpected visit
to that country last week.
Qin said China welcomes all suggestions that will help realize a
nuclear-free Korean Peninsula and bring peace and stability to the
northeast Asian region.
Zoellick congratulated
China congratulated Robert Zoellick on becoming the World Bank
chief.
Qin said China hopes that the World Bank, under the able
guidance of the former US deputy secretary of state, will help
alleviate poverty across the world.
China also hopes the World Bank will strengthen the already good
cooperative relationship between the two sides.
Lebanon violence decried
China has condemned Sunday's "terrorist violence" targeting UN
peacekeepers in southern Lebanon and hopes the UN and the Lebanese
government will conduct a thorough probe into the incident and
bring the perpetrators to justice.
Qin mourned the deaths of the peacekeepers from Spain and
Colombia and sympathized with their families. They died when a bomb
hit their armored personnel carrier.
China is willing to work with the international community to
help restore peace and stability in Lebanon, Qin said.
(China Daily June 27, 2007)
