N. Korea open to U.S. visit

? North Korea’s deputy foreign minister said Thursday the chief U.S. nuclear negotiator is welcome to visit Pyongyang to resolve the nuclear dispute between the two countries.

Choe Su Hon said North Korea would not impose any conditions on a visit by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, the top American negotiator at six-party talks.

“If Christopher Hill is willing to visit my country with an intention of resolving the nuclear issue, then we would always welcome him,” Choe told a small group of reporters. “There will be no condition if he is willing to come to my country with a view to resolving the nuclear issue and other issues of his concern.”

The latest six-party nuclear talks – the fourth round since 2003 – produced a landmark accord Monday in which North Korea agreed to abandon its nuclear program in exchange for economic aid, security assurances and improved ties with the United States.