:Hanoi: The next round of six-nation talks to resolve the crisis over North Korea's nuclear programme is likely to be held in early December, US negotiator Christopher Hill said today (Nov 15, 2006).

"It's difficult in November but I think that its more realistic to be (held) in December," said the US assistant secretary of state after meeting his counterparts Chun Yung Woo of South Korea and Kenichiro Sasae of Japan here.

"We had a good agreement on how to approach the next round, which we want to be substantive and successful," said Hill, who added that it was ultimately up to China to set the date for the next round of six-party talks on North Korea.
 
"I think we are making very good progress," said Chun. "I think all messages will be delivered to North Korea in the six party talks."

Of the six countries involved in the talks - the US, China, South Korea, Japan and Russia  five nations are taking part in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Hanoi this week.