The first phase of the fifth round of six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue concluded in Beijing today, with the parties agreeing to hold the second phase "at the earliest possible date," according to a chairman's statement issued at the closing ceremony.

"The parties reaffirmed that they would fully implement the joint statement in line with the principle of 'commitment for commitment, action for action,' so as to realize the verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula at an early date and contribute to lasting peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia," the statement said.

It said the parties conducted "serious, pragmatic and constructive discussions" and put forward proposals on how to implement the joint statement agreed at the fourth round of talks in September.

The parties emphasized they are willing to comprehensively implement the joint statement through confidence building, carry out all commitments, commence and conclude the process in a timely and coordinated manner and achieve balanced interests and mutually beneficial results through cooperation.

"The parties agreed to formulate concrete plans, measures and steps to fulfill the joint statement in accordance with the aforementioned spirit," read the statement.

The first phase of the fifth round of talks, involving China, Japan, North Korea, Russia, South Korea and the US, started on Wednesday.

(Xinhua News Agency November 11, 2005)