President Roh Moo-hyun says he expects a peaceful solution to the 16-month nuclear tension will be reached during the six-nation talks underway in Beijing.

The president said South Korea has made its best efforts to help find a peaceful solution to the North Korean nuclear issue, and that most problems have either been overcome or are moving toward resolution.

Mr. Roh was speaking at an international conference marking his first year in office held in Seoul.

He said that, even though some problems still remain, solutions are taking shape and hope is in sight.

Earlier a presidential aide denied allegations that the Beijing six-party nuclear talks were failing to make headway. He said the fact that North Korea and the United States have put their complete agendas on the table is a big step forward ... given that the two sides have maintained hard-line stances toward each other.