Sources in Beijing say China has notified the participants of the six-way nuclear talks that the third round of nuclear discussions will open in the Chinese capital for four days from next Wednesday.

The sources familiar with the six-party talks said Beijing will officially announce the schedule of the third round of nuclear discussions on Tuesday. Sources added that working-level discussions will take place for two days ahead of the main negotiations.

According to the sources, the international community is anticipating that the communist North will propose 'substantial' ways to settle its nuclear standoff in the upcoming talks. Such proposals may include a timeframe for the North's possible nuclear freeze and the opening up of its nuclear facilities to international inspectors.

Previous talks among the six nations, held in August 2003 and February 2004, have yielded little progress.