China says it arranged US-DPRK meeting
(AP)
Updated: 2006-01-19 19:40

A U.S. Embassy spokeswoman in Beijing, speaking on customary condition of anonymity, said she couldn't confirm whether Hill met Kim.

North Korea agreed in September to give up nuclear development in exchange for aid and a security guarantee. But the talks, begun in 2003, have been stalled since November over Pyongyang's anger at what it calls hostile U.S. policies.

Kong said Kim Jong Il and President Hu Jintao committed to resuming stalled six-nation nuclear talks.

"The two sides have committed to resuming the six-party talks," Kong said.

Kim Jong Il was quoted by the North's official news agency as saying he wants a peaceful settlement of the dispute. Hu prodded Kim to return to the talks, calling them the "correct choice."

Beijing is under U.S. pressure to use its status as the North's main aid donor to press Kim for progress in the nuclear talks.

The North has refused to return to the negotiations unless Washington ends financial sanctions imposed over its alleged illegal activities. U.S. officials have rejected the demand, saying the matter is a criminal issue unrelated to the nuclear talks.