IAEA chief to visit North Korea March 13-15--Kyodo

SEOUL, Feb 28 (Reuters) The head of the UN nuclear watchdog is to visit North Korean from March 13 to 15 to discuss the shutdown of its nuclear arms programme, Japan's Kyodo news reported today, citing a diplomatic source in Seoul.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director-General Mohamed ElBaradei said last week he had received an invitation from Pyongyang after the North struck a deal this month to shut its nuclear site and allow UN inspectors into the country in return for aid.

A firm date has yet to be formally announced for his visit.

''The visit is expected to happen the week after the board of governors,'' said a spokesman for the IAEA. The board starts its meeting on March 5.

REUTERS BDP KN1710