Japan will make positive contribution to a possible substantive progress in the fourth round of six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Sasae Kenichiro, head of the Japanese delegation and director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Asia and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, said on Tuesday.  

He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the fourth round of six-party talks.     

Kenichiro said, "Japan believes the six-party talks are the best framework for the peaceful settlement of the Korean nuclear issue."

The Japanese delegation will cooperate with the other five delegations closely with a flexible and constructive attitude in pushing forward the six-party talks, he added.

In his speech at Tuesday's opening ceremony, Kenichiro also urged North Korea to completely abandon all of its nuclear programs. The abandonment will be in conformity with the common aspiration of the international community and with North Korea's own interest, he said.

He noted that to resolve the Korean nuclear issue is a precondition for Japan to normalize its relationship with North Korea. Other preconditions include settlement of missile and abduction issues, he added.

(Xinhua News Agency July 26, 2005)