U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill says that talks to realize a Korean peace treaty should and will begin within the year.

Hill made the remarks during a meeting in Washington with South Korean lawmaker Chung Eui-yong of the United New Democratic Party.

Hill was quoted as saying that the Korean peace process depends on North Korea’s denuclearization but there is no reason to put off negotiations until next year.

The top nuclear negotiator stressed the need to move on to the third phase of denuclearization after completing the second phase as quickly as possible. If necessary, he said, this could include slightly lowering the required level of disablement.

Hill's progressive attitude is viewed as part of U.S. efforts to accelerate North Korea's nuclear dismantlement and achieve a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula as soon as possible.