One of the most intractable and perilous international disputes moved closer to resolution after North Korea agreed yesterday to shut down its main nuclear reactor and eventually dismantle its nuclear weapons programme in return for energy aid.
The agreement in Beijing marks the first real breakthrough in three years of talks between North Korea and five other nations: China, Russia, the US, Japan and South Korea.
President George Bush welcomed the deal as the first step towards implementing a plan to make the Korean peninsula nuclear-free. "These talks represent the best opportunity to use diplomacy to address North Korea's nuclear programmes. They reflect the common commitment of the participants to a Korean peninsula that is free of nuclear weapons," he said.
Under the agreement, the North Koreans will shut the Yongbyon reactor complex at the heart of its programme, and allow international inspectors on the site.
This first stage must take place within 60 days and in return it will receive 50,000 tonnes of fuel oil or economic aid of equal value. It will receive another 950,000 tonnes of fuel when it takes further steps to disable its nuclear capabilities. This will include provision of a complete inventory of its plutonium, the fuel used in Pyongyang's first nuclear test last October.
Japan and the US said they would take early steps towards normalising relations with Pyongyang and Washington agreed to lift its freeze on North Korean bank accounts in Macau's Banco Delta Asia within 30 days.