A pro-North Korean newspaper has voiced optimism that the ongoing six-way nuclear talks will produce a final agreement.

The Japan-based Choson Sinbo said Tuesday that prospects for the six-party nuclear talks in Beijing are positive, saying also that a recent North Korean-U.S. agreement reached in Berlin has been finally implemented.

The Choson Sinbo is the official newspaper of the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, or Chochongryon,

The newspaper reported from Beijing that a final agreement is to be announced in the ongoing six-way nuclear talks. The agreement will contain initial steps North Korea must take toward scrapping its nuclear program in line with the September 2005 joint statement.

The paper reported that Washington and Pyongyang had basically agreed on the shutdown of North Korea’s nuclear facilities in Yongbyon and the provision of economic and energy aid during recent bilateral meetings in Berlin.

According to the newspaper, the five other countries excluding North Korea will participate in the aid program. Quoting South Korean chief negotiator Chun Yung-woo, the newspaper said that the five countries will shoulder equally the cost of the aid.