Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said on Wednesday the process of the
six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue will not come
to a halt, pledging that China would continue to promote the
process.
In a joint interview with Japanese media prior to his upcoming
visit to Japan, Wen said a movement towards denuclearization on the
Korean Peninsula was underway, and the six-party talks process
would not stop.
"The issue concerns the security and stability of the whole of
northeast Asia. The aim of the six-party talks is to realize
denuclearization, normalize relations between countries and
safeguard lasting peace in the northeast Asia," said Wen when
responding to questions on the six-party talks.
He said China's position in resolving the Korean Peninsula
nuclear issue is "consistent" and "clear". China insists on a
peaceful approach, negotiation, dialogue and the promotion of
consensus to settle the issue.
"China has always taken an active approach towards the six-party
talks and will continue to do so in the future," said Wen. "We will
further strengthen contacts and cooperation with the other parties
to promote the talks."
He said that provided all the parties make unremitting efforts
to strengthen dialogue, contact and consultation, sooner or later
solutions will emerge.
On the abduction issue, Wen said China understands and
sympathizes with Japan's position on the issue and is willing to
help resolve it.
"We note that Japan and North Korea have started negotiations to
normalize relations, which will aid the settlement of the abduction
issue," he said.
Wen will start his Japan tour on April 11. This will be the
first visit to Japan by the Chinese Premier in seven years.
The sixth round of the six-party talks recessed on March 22.
North Korean delegation refused to resume the talks until funds
frozen at Macao's Banco Delta Asia bank had been fully
transferred.
A chairman's statement issued on March 22 said the parties
listened to reports by the five working groups and discussed the
implementation of the initial actions and an action plan for the
next phase.
The parties agreed to continue with the six-party talks process
and said they would faithfully carry out the commitments made in
the Sept. 19 joint statement and the Feb. 13 joint document.
(Xinhua News Agency April 5, 2007)
