China and Russia agreed to join the efforts of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to offer energy aid to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Lee Soo-Hyuck, ROK chief negotiator said in Beijing Thursday.

 

Lee, also the ROK's deputy minister of foreign affairs and trade, made the remark at a press conference for the morning talks.

 

Russia and China expressed willingness to join ROK's proposal which suggests the DPRK freezing nuclear program in return for energy aid by the other countries, Lee said, adding Japan and the United States expressed understanding and support.

 

But the DPRK didn't make any remarks on the proposal, Lee said.

 

He said the ROK's proposal would be further discussed within the framework of the six-party talks.

 

He noted that nuclear program freeze is a part as well as the beginning of the complete dismantlement of nuclear program.

 

Before relevant agreement is reached by all parties, the DPRK should freeze nuclear program first and ascertain the scope of nuclear program being frozen as well as the contents for inspection, Lee said.

 

Lee said the second plenary session, which lasted from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., was held in sincere atmosphere and no key confrontation and clash among the parties occurred.

 

He said the ROK, the United States and Japan held trilateral meeting after the morning talks and further exchanged views.

Meanwhile, the deputy heads of the six parties were having discussions on reaching a common agreement in written form, Lee said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2004)