N. Korea Speaks of Return to Nuke Talks

North Korea reportedly restoring nuclear plant

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il says he’s prepared to return to six-party nuke disarmament talks if his country makes progress in negotiations with the U.S.

Kim reportedly told Chinese Premier Wen Jibao in a Monday meeting that the North’s relations with the U.S. "should be converted into peaceful ties through bilateral talks without fail," The Associated Press reported.

Despite the softening rhetoric, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported Monday evening that North Korea is nearly finished restoring its Yongbyon nuclear complex, a process that has been ongoing for the better portion of the year.

"We have obtained indications that point to restoration work being in the final stages," the South Korean government source told Yonhap, according to Reuters. "The work to restore nuclear facilities at Yongbyon has been ongoing since early this year."

Get more: Reuters, The Associated Press

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