Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, who had recently visited North Korea, also said June 25 that top ministers from the six nations involved in the talks could meet in late July if progress continues on efforts to rid the North of its nuclear weapons.

North Korea announced June 25 that it is moving forward with a delayed February agreement to shut down its Yongbyon nuclear reactor in exchange for aid. Hill told reporters his 22-hour visit to Pyongyang was intended to ensure negotiators were clear on the important steps to follow the shutdown.

The Japan Times Weekly: June 30, 2007
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