North Korea nuclear talks to resume in February

Japan's Foreign Ministry has confirmed that the 6-party talks on North Korea's nuclear programme would resume in Beijing on February 8. The diplomatic activity has raised expectations that Pyongyang might give up its nuclear ambitions.

Since the collapse of the previous agreement in 2002-2003, North Korea has expanded its nuclear capability and tested a weapon last October, resulting in UN sanctions.

Under the agreed framework, North Korea has been promised two light-water nuclear power reactors and interim fuel supplies in exchange for freezing its weapons programme.