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'US-N Korea nuclear deal close' 'US-N Korea nuclear deal close'
(about 1 hour later)
The US and North Korea are close to reaching a deal on the North's nuclear programme that would overcome the current deadlock, according to reports.The US and North Korea are close to reaching a deal on the North's nuclear programme that would overcome the current deadlock, according to reports.
The South Korean and US media quoted domestic government sources as saying the two sides were near to agreeing how to verify the North's nuclear activity. In exchange, the North would be removed from a US list of terrorism sponsors.The South Korean and US media quoted domestic government sources as saying the two sides were near to agreeing how to verify the North's nuclear activity. In exchange, the North would be removed from a US list of terrorism sponsors.
The disarmament process had seemed close to collapse after the latest row between Pyongyang and Washington.The disarmament process had seemed close to collapse after the latest row between Pyongyang and Washington.
North Korea began disabling its Yongbyon nuclear reactor in August, but lately it has made moves to reassemble the plant in the light of a US refusal to remove it from the terror sponsors' list.North Korea began disabling its Yongbyon nuclear reactor in August, but lately it has made moves to reassemble the plant in the light of a US refusal to remove it from the terror sponsors' list.
For its part, the US insists such steps cannot be taken until a reliable verification process has been established.For its part, the US insists such steps cannot be taken until a reliable verification process has been established.
Crosshead Breakthrough?
The US nuclear negotiator Christopher Hill met North Korean officials for talks in Pyongyang last week - and it was there that a breakthrough was achieved, South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper quoted a key government official in Seoul as saying.The US nuclear negotiator Christopher Hill met North Korean officials for talks in Pyongyang last week - and it was there that a breakthrough was achieved, South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper quoted a key government official in Seoul as saying.
The Washington Post quoted sources close to the Bush administration as saying the North could imminently be removed from the terror sponsors' list.The Washington Post quoted sources close to the Bush administration as saying the North could imminently be removed from the terror sponsors' list.
No named source has confirmed the imminent prospect of a deal, with a US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe saying only that "no final decision" had been taken.No named source has confirmed the imminent prospect of a deal, with a US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe saying only that "no final decision" had been taken.
Analysts say such a deal could halt the recent rapid downward spiral in bilateral relations.Analysts say such a deal could halt the recent rapid downward spiral in bilateral relations.
In recent days, North Korea is reported to have fired two short-range missiles into the waters off the west coast of the Korean peninsula, and is suspected to be preparing a fresh launch.In recent days, North Korea is reported to have fired two short-range missiles into the waters off the west coast of the Korean peninsula, and is suspected to be preparing a fresh launch.
It has also expelled UN inspectors from the Yongbyon plant.It has also expelled UN inspectors from the Yongbyon plant.
North Korea badly wants to come off the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, in order to access international aid and loans and as a step towards its diplomatic rehabilitation.North Korea badly wants to come off the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, in order to access international aid and loans and as a step towards its diplomatic rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, in Washington a deal would represent a big foreign policy victory for an administration in its final weeks - though the deal would be bitterly opposed by hawks.Meanwhile, in Washington a deal would represent a big foreign policy victory for an administration in its final weeks - though the deal would be bitterly opposed by hawks.
SetbacksSetbacks
This is just the the latest phase of a long negotiation process that persists but is plagued by setbacks.This is just the the latest phase of a long negotiation process that persists but is plagued by setbacks.
According to this particular deal, reached in six-party talks in February 2007, the North gains material and political concessions in exchange for nuclear disablement.According to this particular deal, reached in six-party talks in February 2007, the North gains material and political concessions in exchange for nuclear disablement.
But the process is constantly prey to the tensions between North and South Korea - which remain technically still at war - and strains in the wider region.But the process is constantly prey to the tensions between North and South Korea - which remain technically still at war - and strains in the wider region.
In the latest spat, the North warned that "the situation in the waters off the frontal area on the west coast of Korea has become so tense that a naval clash may break out".In the latest spat, the North warned that "the situation in the waters off the frontal area on the west coast of Korea has become so tense that a naval clash may break out".
There is also speculation about the health of the North's leader, Kim Jong-il.There is also speculation about the health of the North's leader, Kim Jong-il.
Friday is the anniversary of the founding of the Korean Workers' Party, and observers will be watching for an appearance by Mr Kim at public celebrations.Friday is the anniversary of the founding of the Korean Workers' Party, and observers will be watching for an appearance by Mr Kim at public celebrations.