Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Losyukov said Wednesday that the new round of six-way talks on the nuclear issue of the Korean peninsula "may be held in January 2004."

Russia "is interested in quickly holding the next meeting in the six-sided format and continuing the intensive contacts," Losyukov was quoted by the Itar-Tass news agency as saying.

"There are certain prerequisites for holding the second round of talks in Beijing," Losyukov added.

The first round of six-nation talks, which included the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the United States, China, Russia, South Korea and Japan, was held in August in Beijing, but no agreement was reached on the date for the next round of such talks.

Losyukov, who is in charge of relations with Asian countries and Russia's top delegate in the six-way talks, discussed the Korean issue with Japanese officials in Tokyo late last week. Lastmonth, he held consultations with US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James Kelly in Washington.

Commenting on the accord that might be reached at the new round, Losyukov noted: "The document did not have to be comprehensive as it was impossible at present to work it out."

The accord would only show a step towards complete settlement, he said, adding that the process is "very complicated and lengthy."

He said it would require the work of experts, and that at least one special working group should be set up.

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2003)