Six-party Talks Likely to Reach Final Agreement
The six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear program have, today, almost settled key differences that had blocked a final draft among the member countries, leaving the potential agreement that should be approved by the respective capitals. The six countries have finally agreed to a joint statement through long, mutual, multi-party, and top-envoy-level marathon negotiations until the morning of February 13.
A source says that the draft agreement is supposed to be announced on February 13 after the six parties get green lights from their respective capitals, but there still exist situational shifts. The source added that China announced a holistic meeting to be held at 10:30 a.m. After the early morning session, Christopher Hill said, “China has to get formal approval from the different delegations.”
South Korean envoy Chun Yung-woo also told reporters, “There was an agreement on the key differences of North Korea's actions for dismantling nuclear facilities, corresponding measures, and the volume of energy assistance in return,” adding, “I cannot be sure now whether the final draft will be settled today or tomorrow because each country's delegation has to confer with its capital.”
Basically, it is said that the five countries, excluding North Korea, have agreed to provide five million tons of heavy fuel oil annually in return for the North’s shut down of its nuclear facilities plus more energy aid corresponding to the North’s additional measures.
Chun said that the deadline for the first step that the North should take to dismantle its nuclear facilities should be implemented within 60 days. He added that the other five countries have agreed to the principal of equal supply for energy assistance.
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 / 입력시간: 2007. 02.14. 08:18
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