N.Korea nuclear test threat casts shadow over Beijing talks

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SP97049.htm

BEIJING, June 25 (Reuters) - A North Korean threat to test a nuclear device overshadowed six-way talks in Beijing on Friday after negotiators came up with a series of gestures aimed at resolving the crisis over the North's nuclear ambitions.

U.S. officials said the threat, made in a two-hour meeting between U.S. Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly and North Korean negotiators in Beijing on Thursday, resembled those from Pyongyang in the past.

The move has raised doubts that even faint progress can be achieved as the third round of talks among North and South Korea, the United States, Japan, Russia and China ended their third day. The previous rounds ended with agreement only to meet again.

The negotiations were due to end on schedule on Saturday, although China's Foreign Ministry cancelled a closing ceremony.

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