Japanese chief negotiator said in Beijing Wednesday the nuclear issue should come first in the current six-party talks, implying that Japan may show flexibility on the abduction issue if necessary for reaching a joint document.

"The abduction issue is one of the priorities we have to address through bilateral talks or taking the case to the six-party talks," Kenichiro Sasae told reporters when leaving the hotel.

"But we all know that the nuclear issue is the forefront issue at this moment," he added.

Japan has been seeking talks with North Korea since six-party negotiations began, but North Korea had repeatedly turned down the request.

The Japanese delegation arrived in Beijing on Tuesday for the second phase of the fourth-round six-party talks on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue.

(Xinhua News Agency September 14, 2005)