US-DPRK mistrust hinders talks: Chinese FM

Mistrust between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is the sticking point of the suspended six-party talks on the Korean Peninsular nuclear issue, China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said Thursday.

At a regular press conference, Zhang said there is no timetable for the next round of talks or any working group meeting because participants have not reached agreement on it.

"It is a complicated issue and cannot be settled immediately," she said. "But since all parties recognize the six-party talks arethe only practical and effective solution, China hopes they can present utmost sincerity and flexibility."

The six-party talks involve the DPRK, the United States, China,the Republic of Korea (ROK), Japan and Russia. Three rounds of talks have been held in Beijing since August 2003. The fourth round failed to be held in September as scheduled.

Joseph DeTrani, US State Department special envoy for the Korean Peninsula affairs, paid a working visit to China this week. He met with Zhou Wenzhong, Chinese vice foreign minister, Cui Tiankai, director-general of the Asian Affairs Department of the Foreign Ministry and Ning Fukui, Chinese ambassador on Korean Peninsula affairs.