China supports contact and dialogue between North Korea and the US, spokeswoman of Chinese delegation to the six-party talks Jiang Yu said Monday evening.

 

"We hope the both sides can seize the opportunity to conduct in-depth exchange of views on each other's concern and take flexible attitude in properly resolving this issue," Jiang said when briefing reporters on the first day since resumption of the six-party talks.

 

According to Jiang, a meeting of chief negotiators of the six parties will be held this morning and a series of bilateral meetings and consultations are expected to be held this afternoon.

 

Top US negotiator Christopher Hill confirmed Monday afternoon the US and North Korea have not yet had any bilateral meetings, but adding that he may have a bilateral meeting with the North Korean side today, and the US has always prepared to hold such bilateral talks.

 

Jiang also revealed that the US and North Korean sides will hold consultation on the issue of financial sanctions.

 

"We hope the consultation will achieve positive progress," she said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2006)