Russia agreed in principle to offer economic aid to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) if the DPRK abolishes its nuclear programs, said Russian chief negotiator Alexander Losiukov Thursday at a news briefing.  

The possibility of offering aid could be discussed with the government's approval, and Russia could offer oil and electricity aid to the DPRK, Losiukov said.

The second round of six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue might result in a document that clearly states that the DPRK will abolish its nuclear weapon programs, and will receive security guarantee in return, he said.

The DPRK may withdraw its proposal for abolishing its nuclear weapon programs if it fails to receive reactions from other parties, he said, noting that the DPRK's request is to receive security guarantee and economic aid before its abolishment, while parties concerned disagreed.

According to Losiukov, the first day of the six-party talks mainly focused on the constitution of the common principles to resolve the nuclear issue. The talks proceeded in a pragmatic atmosphere and certain progress was made.

Thursday's talks mainly focused on discussion over what steps to be taken to resolve the issue, he said. Disparities still existed among parties concerned, such as the requirement of the United States, Japan and the Republic of Korea that the DPRK should abolish all its nuclear programs, including those for peaceful use.

However, Russia and China held that the DPRK should abolish its nuclear weapon programs and be allowed to conduct scientific research into nuclear energy because DPRK is not a member of the nuclear non-proliferation mechanism and is not controlled by the International Atomic Energy Agency, Losiukov said.

The signing of a joint document was also discussed in Thursday's talks, he said. In the document, Russia hopes that the DPRK will state clearly that it will abolish its nuclear weapon program and will receive security guarantee.

The document should also make clear that all parties concerned realize the importance of continuing consultations, keep frequent consultations to resolve the Korean nuclear issue, and set up an expert working group.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2004)