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The joint statement adopted Monday by the six parties to the talks on Korean Peninsula nuclear issue is of "profound significance," said Russian chief negotiator Alexander Alexeyev.
The statement has mapped out the way leading to the ultimate goal of the Korean Peninsula's denuclearization, he said, adding it is the first time that all parties have reached a consensus on major issues.
The fifth round of the six-party talks will be held in Beijing in early November this year. He said the six parties will discuss "specific measures" to implement their agreement in line with the principle of "commitment for commitment, action for action" during next round of talks.
"The following talks will be complicated and last for a long time," he noted.
Alexeyev reiterated that Russia cannot give energy assistance to North Korea unless it returns to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and fulfills international obligations.
He said a very important point in the joint statement is that North Korea abandons all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs. Meanwhile, other parties respect its right to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and discuss the subject of providing light-water reactor at an appropriate time.
"We are looking forward to North Korea's specific measures," he said.
China, North Korea, Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States held the first phase of the fourth round of talks from July 26 to Aug. 7, and the second phase from Sept. 13 to 19.
(Xinhua News Agency September 20, 2005)
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