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DPRK hails 'positive progress' in six-party nuclear talks

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-12-12 22:49

PYONGYANG -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Friday that "positive progress" had been made at the six-party nuclear talks earlier this week, especially on implementing a disarmament-for-aid deal.

The official KCNA news agency said all partners recognized "positive progress in the implementation of the measures taken at the second phase specified in the September 19 joint statement."

Related readings:  Six parties remain divided on DPRK verification document  Envoys work on verification draft of DPRK's nuke program  White House: US to 'rethink' strategy toward DPRK  Six-Party Talks end in stalemate

The international community's efforts to extend economic compensation for nuclear disarmament were welcomed, it added.

Negotiators from China, the DPRK, the United States, Russia, South Korea and Japan wrapped up a new round of six-party talks on the Korean Peninsula on Thursday in Beijing, without registering substantive progress on the verification of the DPRK's nuclear program.

Under an agreement reached at the talks in February 2007, the DPRK agreed to abandon all nuclear weapons and programs. It also promised to declare all its nuclear programs and facilities by the end of 2007 in return for diplomatic and economic incentives.