Hu calls for early resumption of DPRK talks

By Sun Shangwu (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2006-11-17 19:16

The nuclear test conducted by Pyongyang drew international condemnation. The US imposed a ban on the sale of missiles, tanks and other weaponry to the country and demanded it refrain from further tests. ROK said on Thursday that it will vote for a United Nations resolution condemning DPRK for human rights abuses when a ballot is held in New York. It will be the first time ROK hasn't abstained on the vote since 2003.

DPRK agreed to go back to the negotiation table on Nov. 1, but no date has been set so far.

Pyongyang made clear on Friday it had no intention of scrapping its nuclear weapons programme unless the United States made significant concessions.

The comments, carried in the official KCNA news agency, came a day after US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told Pyongyang it had to show it was committed to take real steps to give up its programme after last month's nuclear test.

"(We) will feel no need to keep even a single nuke if the U.S. ceases its nuclear threat and sanctions against the DPRK in a verifiable and trustworthy manner," said KCNA.

Hu and Roh also talked about bilateral relations, agreeing to conduct a series of activities to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations next year.


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