The position of North Korea on the nuclear issue is seen "to be evolving a little," US chief negotiator Christopher Hill said in Beijing Tuesday.

"I must tell you their (North Korea) position does seem to be evolving a little, and we will have a much better idea about it tonight or tomorrow," he told reporters.

Hill, also assistant secretary of state for east Asia-Pacific affairs, arrived in Beijing Tuesday morning to attend the second phase of the fourth-round six-party talks.

"I know we have had two discussions within the New York channel, and I can't say really there has been progress," he said, adding, "We will have a better idea about what North Korea's position is."

Asked how long the US delegation will stay for the negotiation, a spokesman of the US Embassy said, "we booked it (the rooms) open-ended."

"If we know how long Hill will stay, we will make big money," she added.

The Russian, South and North Korean delegations have arrived in Beijing and the Japanese delegation is expected to come soon for the second phase of the fourth-round talks, which will be held Tuesday afternoon with focus placed on resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue.

The fourth round of six-party talks began five weeks ago. The US demanded North Korea dismantle all of its nuclear programs including those for peaceful purposes.

(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2005)