US. seeks measurable progress in Korea talks

WASHINGTON, Dec 13 (Reuters) The United States wants tangible progress in a new round of six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program set to start this weekend, the top US. negotiator on North Korea said on Wednesday.

''We are indeed looking for measurable progress in this first round (of six-party talks),'' said Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill in a briefing with reporters.

Hill is due to arrive in Beijing this weekend for six-nation talks set to begin on Sunday night, which are aimed at getting Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons program.

REUTERS DKS PM0124