The Russian delegation will hold separate consultations with delegations of Japan, the United States, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Tuesday before the second round of six-party talks scheduled to start in Beijing Wednesday.  

An informed source said Monday the consultation between Russia and Japan will be held in the Russian embassy to China Tuesday morning.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losiukov had a consultation with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Yi shortly after his arrival in Beijing Monday morning.

The consultation, as commented by the source, was "positive" as the two sides "shared identical or similar stands."

Losiukov showed his "cautious optimism" on the upcoming talks on his arrival, saying the cooperation between Russia and China, since the first round of six-party talks last year, has been "very effective."

The US and Japanese delegations arrived here Monday evening. The ROK and DPRK delegations are expected to arrive Tuesday morning.

(Xinhua News Agency February 24, 2004)