All parties to the six-nation talks discussed Thursday the proposal of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to completely stop its nuclear programs, said a member of the Chinese delegation.  

Liu Jianchao, also deputy director of the Information Department of the Foreign Ministry, said during the some four-hour-long session of the talks which lasted till 1:40 pm, the parties mulled the first-phase actions to realize a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

The parties welcomed the DPRK proposal, believing it was a necessary step to resolving the issue, and they also expressed understanding of relevant concerns of the DPRK, Liu said. For the sake of taking coordinated steps, all sides had an in-depth discussion on the DPRK's demands.

The Chinese side believes that all sides should take coordinated steps, which is the best way to build trust when distrust still remains among some sides, Liu said. He added that the six parties had all agreed to take such coordinated steps and shared the view that actions were the most effective means to build trust.

He also briefed reporters on Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan's afternoon meeting with delegation heads and foreign diplomatic envoys in China.

Tang said the second round of talks had entered a pivotal phase and efforts had begun for abolishing nuclear programs, safeguarding security and promoting economic cooperation.

"If we can take resolving the nuclear question as an opportunity to gradually narrow disparities, expand consensus and build mutual trust, we will likely turn the challenges into opportunities and bring benefits to all sides, and create a more peaceful and secure regional environment," Tang was quoted as saying.

In response, heads of the delegations told Tang that the talks were constructive, and had provided unprecedented opportunities for a peaceful solution to the nuclear issue. They also pledged further efforts toward the final resolution of the issue.

When asked about forming a working group and drafting a written document for the talks, Liu said all parties agreed that it is crucial to set up a working group to deal with specified issues for the continuation of the talks. The question will be further discussed.

As to the written document, Liu said, all parties are still consulting on the issue. They all hoped for a good document to be drafted.

Liu also expounded China's position on energy aid to the DPRK. He said the parties had held just a preliminary discussion of the issue, and if they reached consensus on relevant questions, China would be also ready to provide energy aid to that country.

The six-party talks on the Korean nuclear issue started Wednesday, involving China, the DPRK, the United States, the Republic of Korea, Russia and Japan.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2004)