Alexander Alexeyev, head of the Russian delegation, arrived first, ahead of those from North and South Korea, the US and Japan, who are expected today.

Alexeyev said at the capital's airport that Russia wishes the talks to be a success, and that the Russian side hoped all parties can make joint efforts for the adoption of a common document.

A flurry of diplomatic activities took place during the break in a bid to iron out differences.

North Korea and the US maintained contact via diplomatic channels such as the UN.

Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei visited Japan and North Korea at the end of August and exchanged views with leaders on the resumption of the talks.

South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ban Ki-Moon also visited China and the US, holding talks with Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and US State Secretary Condoleezza Rice.

In the first phase of the talks, North Korea insisted that it be allowed to carry out peaceful nuclear activities. The US, however, urged Pyongyang to abandon all its nuclear programs, including civilian ones.

The current round of talks was launched on July 26 after a 13-month standoff, but the record 13-day talks reached a stalemate as parties failed to agree a common document.

(Xinhua News Agency September 13, 2005)