The issue of economic aid to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was "mentioned" in the morning session of the ongoing round of six-party talks, said a Chinese official in Beijing Wednesday at a press briefing after the first session of the second round talks, which opened Wednesday.  

Liu Jianchao, deputy director-general of the Chinese Foreign Ministry Information Department, said that the Republic of Korea (ROK) has set forth a relevant proposal, but talks are still proceeding and the relevant issues will continue to be discussed.

When asked to clarify that the United States will not give DPRK any compensation whereas the ROK side has reportedly expressed its readiness to compensate DPRK provided the later abandons its nuclear program, Liu said the US delegation gave no relevant indication and all six parties have agreed to coordinate their steps for settling the nuclear issue and their mutual concern. The issue of economic aid (to DPRK) was also mentioned, he added.

ROK once proposed a three-phase solution to the nuclear issue: oral commitment from all sides; take corresponding actions after the DPRK abandoned its nuclear program and fully improve relations with all parties involved.

When asked whether such a proposal could be the first-phase action plan adopted by the relevant parties and about China's attitude on the proposal, Liu said that ROK has tabled such proposal and relevant problems "were still under discussions."

The second round of talks involves China, DPRK, US, ROK, Russia and Japan.

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2004)