At the contact the DPRK side pointed to the unsavory attitude taken by the U.S. forces side during the past three rounds of the bilateral working contacts.

It urged the U.S. forces side to affirmatively respond to the DPRK's proposal for field investigation by the inspection group of its National Defence Commission for making an objective and scientific probe into the truth about the "Cheonan" case, away from its double-dealing attitude manifested in the course of the contacts made so far. The U.S. forces side, however, threw hurdles in the way of discussion, insisting on its proposal for "joint assessment group" the injustice of which had already been brought to light.

Stating that it is the unshakable will of the army and people of the DPRK to dispatch an inspection group of the NDC for the purpose of probing the truth behind the warship case to the last, the DPRK side advanced the following proposal reflecting the assertions of both sides:

The KPA-U.S. joint inspection group shall be formed to involve the KPA side and the U.S. forces side for an early opening of the DPRK-U.S. general-level military talks.

High-ranking general-level officers shall be appointed by the KPA side and the U.S. forces side respectively to head the group.

The joint inspection group shall be made up of the members of the NDC inspection group from the KPA side and members of the U.S. forces side, 20 to 30 men from each side.

The group may work for 3-5 days or the period of its inspection may be extended when necessary. Investigation shall be confined to the scene of the incident, salvaged warship, witnesses, material evidence and relevant objects.

All possible methods including field investigation, analysis of material evidence, hearing from witnesses and analysis of data shall be employed to the maximum.

The U.S. forces side shall provide conveniences such as the provision of all the data requested by the KPA side and guarantee of the overland passage and personal security of its members.

This proposal is a fair and aboveboard and landmark one understandable and acceptable to everyone in the light of its legal validity and realistic propriety, the KPA side said, stressing that whether the U.S. forces side accepts the above-said proposal or not will confirm its final stand on the clarification of the case.

Both sides agreed to make the fifth round of the contact in Panmunjom, depending on their programs.