International Atomic Energy Agency officials will visit Pyongyang next week to discuss methods of inspection of North Korea¡¯s nuclear facilities, the nuclear watchdog said Monday. U.S. chief nuclear envoy Christopher Hill told his South Korean counterpart Chun Yung-woo the shutdown of North Korea¡¯s nuclear facilities in Yongbyon would be possible within several weeks and the ¡°disablement¡± as stipulated under a Feb. 13 six-nation agreement within this year.
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U.S. nuclear envoy Christopher Hill, center, is surrounded by reporters upon his arrival at the Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul on Monday./AP
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Hill flew to Seoul on Monday to discuss with Chun a timetable for the next round of the six-party talks and ways to persuade North Korea to take the initial steps under the agreement now its frozen funds from a Macau bank have been transferred. Chun said the speed of progress depends on the North¡¯ ¡°political will.¡± He agreed with Hill that the six-party talks should resume as soon as possible after Pyongyang shuts down the nuclear facilities.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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