Updated Jan.8,2005 16:15 KST

U.S. Congressman Heads to North Korea for Talks
A U.S. Congressman visiting North Korea says he will discuss the Stalinist regime's nuclear program and human rights issues during talks with Pyongyang officials.

Congressman Tom Lantos, a Democrat from California, told reporters during a stopover in Beijing Saturday that he would discuss the North's nuclear program, human rights matters, and hopefully, their reintegration into the international community.

Mr. Lantos' four-day visit comes ahead of a separate visit next week by a delegation of U.S. lawmakers headed by Republican Congressman Curt Weldon.

Mr. Lantos was a sponsor of the North Korean Human Rights Act enacted last October, which budgets $24 million a year for North Korea refugees.

North Korea angrily condemned the legislation as proof of Washington's intent to topple the communist nation.

VOA News