Pyongyang, August 5 (KCNA) -- Worldwide attention has focused on the six-party talks for peace and denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

Early Reopening of Six-party Talks Is Universal Desire

The Chinese People's Daily on July 24 said the north and south of Korea have drawn close attention for their latest announcement of position on the six-party talks.

According to south Korea's Yonhap News, Ri Yong Ho and Wi Song Rak, heads of the north and south delegations to the six-party talks, had talks at the International Conference Centre in Bali, Indonesia, on the afternoon of July 22 and agreed to make joint efforts for an early reopening of the six-party talks, the daily said, adding:

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi said China welcomes efforts made by each party concerned to promote dialogue, and negotiations between the north and south of Korea.

China is ready to promote an early reopening of the six-party talks by keeping close communication and accommodation, widening speculation and pooling wisdom with other sides and the international community, he noted. This is a universal desire of the international community.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on July 22 that the six-party talks are likely to be resumed at an early date.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of foreign ministers of the east Asia summit nations, Lavrov said the participants in the meeting reached a conclusion that the six-party talks system should not be changed, and that the latest development inspired people with the hope that the talks will be resumed at an early date.

The six-way talks are an agreed format, he said. All parties to the talks, including Russia, are making efforts to provide conditions necessary for the talks and have begun to work for implementing the already attained agreement concerning the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

Optimistic View of Talks

The Russian news agency ITAR-TASS said on July 24 that the six-party talks are likely to be reopened at an early date.

The recent development concerning the nuclear issue of the Korean peninsula serves as a good reason for Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to make an optimistic remark as regards the talks, said the news agency.