China says N. Korea talks to resume in February

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
China has informed Japan that international talks on dismantling North Korea's nuclear weapons program will resume Feb. 8, Japanese public broadcaster NHK said Tuesday. A Japanese Foreign Ministry official confirmed that the Feb. 8 date was in "final discussion," but said all sides were not yet ready to announce the specific date. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, citing ministry policy. He said the duration of the talks has not been decided, but added that they were expected to end before the Chinese New Year in mid-February. He said the length of the talks could depend on whether progress is made between the United States and North Korea on financial issues.