Russian negotiator Sergei Razov said on Friday that the
differences between the United States and North Korea hampered the
process of the six-party talks on Korean Peninsula nuclear
issue.
North Korea and the United States remained greatly divided,
particularly on the financial sanctions issue, said Razov. "Their
difference is the major obstacle to implementing the joint
statement of September."
The week-long talks, also involving China, South Korea and
Japan, ended with a chairman's statement but no breakthrough on
Friday afternoon. No resumption date has been set yet.
The chairman's statement said the six parties agreed to
implement the joint statement of September 19, 2005 as soon as
possible "in a phased manner."
Under the joint statement, North Korea agreed to abandon its
nuclear program in exchange for economic aid and security
guarantees.
"The six-party talks mechanism plays an irreplaceable role in
peacefully solving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. Russia
firmly supports the six-party talks process," Razov said.
Formally known as the second phase of the fifth round since
2003, the talks resumed on Monday after a 13-month suspension.
(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2006)
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