The fourth-round six-party talks on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue are nearing an end, the Chinese delegation's spokesperson said yesterday.

"The talks are nearing an end and will continue on Monday," said Liu Jianchao without giving a timetable.

That means the talks will extend to a seventh day as negotiators are struggling over a joint document.

China set forth a new draft common document on Friday, which involves North Korea's right to civilian nuclear programs and a light-water nuclear reactor.

If passed, the document will be the first of its kind since the six-party talks began in 2003.

The chief delegates met twice yesterday morning and exchanged views on the Chinese-proposed amendment to the fourth draft of the joint document.

Japanese chief negotiator Kenichiro Sasae said the delegates were studying the draft. "I believe there is a possibility of reaching an agreement," he told reporters. "Talks are in the direction of advancing now more than they were yesterday."

US chief negotiator Christopher Hill said yesterday he expected to fly home from talks in Beijing after a full plenary meeting this morning, yet he still held out the possibility of an agreement.

"I cannot say at this point how this is going to end up or whether we are optimistic or pessimistic, except to say that I don't think it is going to go much beyond tomorrow morning," he told reporters. "I know that I expect to be leaving tomorrow afternoon."

He described the China draft as an effort to bridge the differences between the parties involved.

"I think it is a good deal for everybody, especially for North Korea," Hill said, adding Washington could not accept a vague statement of principle that would leave tough issues for later.

North Korea maintained a firm stance on its demand for light-water nuclear reactors on Friday after the proposal was put forward, saying Pyongyang would not give up its nuclear program without concessions by the US.

It also said the light-water reactors are open to joint management and international inspections.

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo hosted a Mid-Autumn Festival banquet for the chief delegates on Saturday night, saying the draft is the most realistic scenario for the parties to reach a consensus on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue.

(China Daily September 19, 2005)