China's top nuclear envoy visits DPRK

BEIJING - China's special representative for Korean Peninsula affairs Wu Dawei left for a visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Monday to discuss resumption of the six-party talks, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Tuesday.

Spokesman Hong Lei told a routine press briefing that Wu will have in-depth discussions with the DPRK on restarting nuclear talks and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

He said the situation on the Peninsula has eased recently with contacts and dialogues replacing tense confrontation.

This has not come easily and should be cherished by all sides, the spokesman said, urging the relevant parties to further increase contacts and dialogue, and play a constructive role in easing the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

All parties concerned should make a joint effort to resume the six-party talks, be reasonable in their bargain for beginning dialogue and put the addressing of the issue on a track that is sustainable,irreversible and conducive to trust-building, said the spokesperson.

He urged all sides to return to their positions as indicated in the September 19 Joint Statement.

In the September 19 Joint Statement, signed in 2005, the DPRK promised to abandon all its nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs.

The six-party talks, convening the DPRK, the Republic of Korea, China, the United States, Russia and Japan, have been stalled since late 2008.