North Korea says ready to return to nuclear talks

North Korea says it is willing to return to international talks on its nuclear ambitions.

The country’s leader Kim Jong-il made the announcement to Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who is on a visit to Pyongyang.

However, the North says rejoining the Chinese-hosted talks depends on the outcome of bilateral meetings with the US.

Kim Jong-il used the high-profile visit to add that the Yongbyon nuclear reactor was close to restoration. The plant was closed down earlier in the year as part of an international agreement.

Pyongyang says it reanimated the plant because of its hostile relations with Washington. The Americans say they are willing to talk to bring about a nuclear-free Korean peninsula.

The Chinese leader is in Pyongyang to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

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tags: Anniversary, China, North Korea