U.S. Envoy Briefs Japan on N. Korea Nukes

Jun 23, 10:28 AM

Current Headlines: North Korea is keeping its nuclear commitments but still needs to resolve the issue of kidnapped Japanese nationals, a U.S. envoy said Saturday.

North Korea is expected to shut down its Yongbyon nuclear facility within several weeks, said top U.S. nuclear negotiator Christopher Hill.

Hill was in Japan for a briefing on his visit to North Korea Thursday, reported the Kyodo news agency. North Korea agreed to shutter its reactor and let nuclear inspectors back into the country in exchange for energy assistance and the release of $20 million in funds frozen in a Chinese bank.

On the issue of kidnapped Japanese nationals, Hill told reporters that North Korea understands the importance of the issue but, I can't say I got any answer that would lead to a resolution.

Hill promised to keep the issue on the negotiation table.