Six-Party Talks Confirmed

Security Council members signed resoultion 1329, authorizing United Nations personnel to begin the repatriation of North Korean refugees living in China. In a compromise, China agreed to reduce its troop levels along the border while the United States lowered its alert level to normal. In addition, China, Russia, the United States, EU states, Japan, and the Republic of Korea agreed to begin six-party talks. Both the so-called Dear Leader and Brilliant Comrade factions were invited to participate as observers since a titular head has not been recognized by the United Nations. While the DL faction agreed to participate in these talks, it was still unclear at the time whether or not BC representatives would be present. Regardless of their presence, Secretary-General Ban-ki Moon is determined to move forward with the talks in hopes of resolving the political and humanitarian crisis. "I encourage BC faction leaders to participate in talks, as this may determine the future of their nation, " said Moon.

A U.N. representative confirmed that IAEA employees did not inspect a BC faction shipment of uranium to the United States. Such an inspection will be discussed during six-party talks.