NKorea's Kim urges each party to take steps on deal

By Staff
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BEIJING, July 3 (Reuters) North Korean leader Kim Jong-il said on Tuesday each party should take ''initial actions'' in an aid-for-disarmament deal, Xinhua news agency reported amid signs Pyongyang was preparing to shut down its main nuclear plant.

North Korea signed an initial deal at six-party talks in February which promises it fuel in return for shutting its Yongbyon reactor.

In Vienna, the International Atomic Energy Agency also indicated North Korea was preparing to close the Yongbyon reactor, which can make plutonium for nuclear weapons.

An IAEA report, obtained by Reuters and circulated to the watchdog's board members on Tuesday, said Pyongyang had agreed to wide-ranging U.N. measures to verify a shutdown of its nuclear programme.

But uncertainty has clouded when the North may act.

In remarks to visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, the usually reclusive Kim appeared to give a reassurance, but also reminded other parties of their obligations.

''Recently, there have been some signs of easing in the situation on the Korean peninsula,'' Xinhua cited Kim as saying. ''Each party should implement initial actions.'' Officials in Washington have told Reuters Pyongyang had advised South Korea, which is providing the oil, and UN nuclear inspectors that it wanted at least some of the aid before closing the reactor.

China's Yang told Kim all the countries involved in the six-party talks deal should ''conscientiously carry out their commitments and implement the initial steps in a full and balanced way,'' Xinhua said.

The talks bring together North and South Korea, the United States, host China, Japan and Russia.

CONSULTATION AND DIALOGUE Yang's trip, which ends on Wednesday, follows a visit by IAEA officials last week.

The IAEA report by agency director Mohamed ElBaradei described an 11-part ''understanding'' reached with Pyongyang for a return of UN nuclear inspectors whom it kicked out over four years ago.

''The agency will install, and service as necessary, appropriate containment and surveillance and other devices to monitor and verify the status of the shutdown and/or sealed facilities and equipment,'' the report said.

Inspectors would have access to all affected facilities, highlighted by the Yongbyon reactor, and Pyongyang would provide a list of sites mothballed.

Diplomats said the IAEA board was likely to convene a special one-day session on July 9 to approve the North Korea mission.

Pyongyang and Beijing appeared eager on Tuesday to stress harmony after deep tensions over the North's nuclear weapons ambitions.

''Friendship between China and North Korea is our shared precious wealth,'' Yang told Kim, according to Xinhua.

Kim praised China's efforts to settle the nuclear dispute, which escalated after Pyongyang held its first nuclear test explosion last October.

''North Korea hopes to continue strengthening communication and coordination with China to this end,'' Xinhua cited Kim as saying.

Reclusive Kim rarely meets visiting dignitaries, but has held discussions with envoys from China and South Korea in recent years which have sometimes helped ease tensions.

''Because of our historic ties, it's not that unusual for Kim Jong-il to meet Chinese foreign ministers,'' said Zhang Liangui, an expert on North Korea at the Central Party School, a thinktank in Beijing.

''But also bilateral relations were badly hurt by North Korea's nuclear test last year, and I think both sides believe it's time to strengthen ties. Kim grasps that point.'' Communist China supported the North during its 1950-53 war against the South and US-led forces and is still a key supplier of aid.

Reuters GT GC2047

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