Beijing, Aug 31: U.S. and North Korean delegations leave Beijing with low expectations for a solution to the North Korean nuclear crisis. Leaving China after talks over North Korea's nuclear stand-off there was a mood of optimism despite no major breakthrough. The six parties attending appeared to agree on meeting again soon. But a day later the two protagonists of talks, the U.S. and North Korea, went home with conflicting views. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly still hopeful of a peaceful outcome, said "I don't know when we will be back here or whether it will be somewhere else, But a peaceful solution is something we are going to work on." Leaving Beijing airport a North Korean delegate announced they've given up on more talks. A South Korean agency reports North Korea has now said it now has no choice but to strengthen its nuclear deterrent force. Washington has branded reclusive Pyongyang as part of an "axis of evil" and is convinced it has nuclear bombs. North Korea wants a security guarantee from the U.S. before dismantling its weapons, something if feels it wasn't offered at the talks.

Bureau Report