"It is necessary to continue the process of the six-party talks for there are still differences, difficulties and contradictions among different sides", Wang Yi, Chinese chief negotiator, said in Beijing Friday evening.

Wang, who presided over the talks, described Friday's meeting as "active and beneficial."

The Chinese Vice Foreign Minister urged all side to "show mutual earnestness" and "march forward" from the already formed basis.

Liu Jianchao, member of the Chinese delegation, told the press that during the third plenary session on Friday, all sides discussed the relevant issues of pushing forward the six-party talks in accordance with the agenda.

All sides made their own proposal for the setup of working group and the date for the next round of the talks, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2004)