China, Japan, South Korea discuss North Korea nukes

Premier Wen Jiabao briefed his Japanese and South Korean counterparts on Saturday on his recent meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, during which Kim told Wen his country may end its boycott of the six-party talks intended to de-nuclearize the Korean peninsula, AP reported. However, Kim said his decision depends on how negotiations with the US progress. US officals have said talks with North Korea may be possible if they are part of the six-party process, and Japanese officials said that the US indicated to them that it might meet with the North. North Korea has always insisted it wants direct talks with Washington, which the US has always resisted. However, the Obama administration may be changing its stance. North Korea wants to send its deputy nuclear envoy Ri Gun to the US later this month for a private security forum with a non-governmental organization. Some speculate this could create an opening for laying a framework for direct talks.