Chairman's Statement

22 December 2006

    The Second Session of the Fifth Round of the Six-Party Talks was held in Beijing from 18 to 22 December 2006.

    The Parties reviewed changes and developments in the situation of the Six-Party Talks and reaffirmed their common goal and will to achieve the peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula through dialogue.  They reiterated that they would earnestly carry out their commitments in the Joint Statement of 19 September 2005, and agreed to take coordinated steps to implement the Joint Statement as soon as possible in a phased manner in line with the principle of "action for action."

    The Parties held useful discussions on measures to implement the Joint Statement and on actions to be taken by the Parties in the starting phase and put forward some initial ideas.  The Parties, through intensive bilateral consultations, had candid and in-depth exchange of views to address their concerns.

    The Parties agreed to recess and report to capitals and to reconvene at the earliest opportunity.