Beijing: The US envoy to the six-party talks on North Korea today asked Pyongyang to get serious on the issue of 'denuclearisation' as the last round of the current phase of talks got underway here today (Dec 22, 2006).

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, Christopher Hill told reporters before that he is 'not aware' of 'any sign' of breakthrough in the current six-party talks.

He said he will have bilateral consultation with the Chinese delegation today.

"Today is the last day of the talks," Hill said, adding he is scheduled to leave Beijing tomorrow.

The second phase of the talks moved on to the fifth day today. The ongoing talks focus on the implementation of the joint statement, issued on September 19, 2005 under which North Korea agreed to abandon its nuclear programme in exchange for economic aid and security guarantees.

However, the six-party talks involving North Korea, the United States, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia has been stalled since Monday with Pyongyang insisting that Washington revoke the economic sanctions on it for alleged money laundering.

Asked whether another round of talks will be held in the future, Hill said "We will see the progress, and see whether it is valuable."

 "Our purpose is denuclearisation. We'll have to evaluate this round in terms of whether we move towards the goal," Hill said.