CHINA:The six countries taking part in the talks aimed at ending the nuclear stand-off on the Korean peninsula resumed negotiations more than a year after the last round, but early indications were that participants had a long way to go to strike a deal.
The North Koreans arrived with what US negotiator Christopher Hill called an "exhaustive list" of demands, adopting what he called a "department store approach". Pyongyang wants an end to UN sanctions over the nuclear device it tested in October, a lifting of US restrictions and a new nuclear reactor before it considers ending its nuclear weapons programme.
Mr Hill warned that Washington's patience had "reached its limits" and, in a clear sign of frayed nerves and short tempers, said he was planning to be home in time for Christmas, ruling out any lengthy negotiations.
Already beset by deep mistrust and hostility, the talks highlight the enormous ideological, philosophical and political differences between North Korea and the US. It is still open to question whether they will be able to agree even a basis on which the negotiations should proceed.
A speedy resolution of the talks was always unlikely, especially now that North Korea feels empowered by its new status as a member of the elite club of nuclear states, and analysts had expected negotiations to be difficult.
Regional tensions were significantly heightened by North Korea's missile test in July and a nuclear test in October, which angered the global community, including China, the isolated Stalinist enclave's only ally, and prompted UN sanctions.
"We don't have the option of walking away from the problem. Their future is very much at stake . . . we do need to see some results," said Mr Hill.
Washington, along with China, South Korea, Japan and Russia, is keen for North Korea to take steps towards implementing a joint statement agreed in September 2005.