All parties were able to discuss substantial issues in a "very frank" manner at the just-ended second round of six-party talks in Beijing, and the outcome was "positive", said a Japanese official Saturday evening in Beijing, on condition of anonymity Saturday evening.

 

The official told journalists that the outcome of the four-day talks was positive in that all parties were able to confirm once again that their common goal is to deal with the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula.

 

They were also able to understand the importance of the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantling of the DPRK's (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) nuclear weapons program, he said.

 

Another positive point is that the parties agreed to continue the talks, and a working group would be set up, he said.

 

"We are fully aware that the process will not be easy, but Japan is willing to work patiently towards the solution of the issue in coordination with the United States, the Republic of Korea, and also with China and Russia," said the official.

 

Besides the nuclear issue, Japan also attaches importance to its bilateral relations with the DPRK, he said.

 

According to the official, the Japanese delegation brought up the issue of abduction during the six-party talks, requiring a bilateral dialogue on this issue, and the DPRK agreed to respond to the request after returning to Pyongyang.

 

(Xinhua News Agency February 29, 2004)