North Korea To Shut Down Nuclear Facilities

North Korea has agreed to shut down its main nuclear reactor and eventually dismantle its nuclear program in return for fuel aid from its negotiating partners.

Delegates from North and South Korea, the United States, Russia, Japan, and China reached the agreement today after nearly a week of talks in Beijing.

The formal document outlining the agreement is to be released later today.

According to the deal, North Korea will shut down its Yongbyon reactor complex within 60 days, and will allow international inspectors to visit the site.

In return, the North will receive 50,000 tons of fuel oil or economic aid of equal value, followed by another nearly 1 million tons of fuel oil or the equivalent when it takes further steps to disable its nuclear capabilities.

North Korea is also expected to resume talks with the United States aimed at ending U.S. financial sanctions and restarting diplomatic relations.

China's chief envoy said a new round of talks will begin on March 19.

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