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Beijing
08 July 2008
Talks on ending North Korea's nuclear programs are to resume this weekin Beijing, after being on hold since last year. Negotiations areexpected to focus on efforts to verify the dismantling of North Korea'sdeclared nuclear facilities and Pyongyang's demands for aid. DanielSchearf reports from Beijing.
China's Foreign Ministry says negotiators from six nations will meet Thursday to discuss North Korea's nuclear weapons programs.
Negotiationshave been on hold for the past nine months, while North Korea waspreparing a declaration of its nuclear facilities. It submitted thedeclaration last month.
In return, the United States is removingNorth Korea from a list of states that sponsor terrorism and is liftingsome sanctions against the reclusive nation.
A spokesman forChina's Foreign Ministry, Qin Gang, said Tuesday the talks have beenscheduled for three days, but could go longer if more progress is made.
Hesays they hope the delegations achieve progress and the talks will bebeneficial to pushing forward to the next stage of negotiations.
North Korea agreed to give up its nuclear ambitions, in return for aid, security guarantees and diplomatic incentives.
Ina dramatic gesture, Pyongyang invited the international media to coverits June destruction of a cooling tower at its Yongbyon nuclear complex.
Thisweek's talks, however, are likely to face problems. Washington saysPyongyang has several nuclear bombs and a secret uranium enrichmentprogram, but North Korea did not include either in its declaration.
Pyongyang is demanding it receive promised aid and diplomatic incentives before it dismantles any more facilities.
The other parties to the six-nation talks are China, South Korea, Russia, and Japan.
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