Hill, Yachi agree to watch N, Korean moves

The chief US nuclear negotiator and Japan's vice foreign minister have agreed their countries will carefully watch if North Korea immediately implements initial steps for denuclearization.

US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill and Japan's Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi met in Tokyo on Wednesday.

They also agreed that the 2 countries will keep in close contact to prepare for a resumption of the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear problem.

If it is confirmed that North Korea takes the initial steps, China, which chairs the 6-party talks, is expected to begin mediation to hold the next round of talks.

Mr Hill also suggested that the United States will continue to cooperate with Japan on the abduction issue.

After the meeting, Mr Hill told reporters the United States wants to schedule the 6-party talks in a way that moves toward the next phase of denuclearization.

Mr Hill also suggested that the ASEAN Regional Forum to be held in Manila, the Philippines, in early August is one possible opportunity for a 6-party ministerial meeting.