Spokesman Qin Gang of the Chinese delegation to the third session of the fifth round of Six-Party Talks held a press conference in Diaoyutai Hotel on the evening of February 10, 2007.

Qin: Good evening. First of all I'd like to make a brief introduction of the talks during the past two days.

Within two days the delegations conducted interwoven and intense consultations and contacts in various forms. The discussions focus on the economic and energy cooperation with the DPRK. The six parties expressed their opinions on this issue and raised their proposals respectively. In the light of present situation, there still exist big differences. We are trying to find a solution acceptable to all the parties in accordance with their proposals in an active and flexible attitude. At present the talks are still going on intensely.

Now the floor is open.

Q: I'd like to know the proposals of the DPRK on economic and energy cooperation. The DPRK at the very beginning demanded 2 million kilowatt of electricity and 500,000 tons of heavy oil. How about the result of bargaining?

A: each party has raised its suggestion, but I'm sorry I cannot tell you the specific suggestions. If you want me to tell you the details of the discussions, it would be better to move the talks to the press center. What I can tell you is that all the parties are seeking a compromise in an active, flexible and pragmatic attitude. They are readjusting their proposition constantly through consultation. If you are really interested in this question, you may ask the DPRK side.

Q: big differences existed before the talks started. So far have such differences narrowed down or expanded?

A: we should look at this question under the big background. It is the several rounds of consultations, including the previous talks and the communications and consultation conducted among the parties during the adjournment that lay down a sound foundation for the resumption of talks and continuing discussions. We expect a good result of talks, but there will be twists and turns. However, the common consensuses of the parties are increasing. Their differences are decreasing and concentrate in individual areas. Such differences on individual issues do not influence the consensuses which have been reached on other major issues. Such consensuses will not be influenced.

Q: Today China conducted intense consultations with the other five parties. What's the major topic of the consultations? Will the talks end before February 12?

A: the consultations between China and the other five parties mainly focus on the economic and energy cooperation with the DPRK. We expect to see a good result and reach agreement. But it will depend on the result of the discussions of all the parties. We are making double efforts to that end. Undoubtedly tomorrow will be the fourth day of the talks. As for how will the talks go tomorrow, we have to wait until tomorrow's talks finish.

Thank you!