Beijing, Apr 23: Talks between US, North Korean and Chinese delegates aimed at resolving the Korean nuclear issue began today in Beijing, a US Embassy official said. "The talks are now underway," said an embassy official. US Asia envoy James Kelly was heading the American delegation, while the North Korean negotiators were led by Li Gun, an expert on US issues, and China was represented by Fu Ying, an Asian affairs specialist. The talks, which are scheduled to last until Friday, are the first since the nuclear crisis erupted in October with the revelation that North Korea had been engaged in a secret nuclear programme.

Bureau Report