All parties to the six-party talks agreed that it is crucial to set up a working group to continue the talks, said an official with the Chinese delegation at a news briefing in Beijing Wednesday.  

Liu Jianchao, also deputy director-general of the Information Department of Chinese Foreign Ministry, said that the parties concerned suggested the establishment of such a working group during the talks and that some detailed issues will be discussed in future talks.

When asked when to end the present round of talks, Liu said that its closing date had not been fixed and the duration of the talks hinges on the talks' progress.

(Xinhua News Agency February 26, 2004)