BEIJING, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- The U.S. envoy to six-nation talks on North Korea's nuclear program says the Beijing talks are winding down with slim chance for an agreement.
Christopher Hill made the remarks Wednesday after China produced a fourth draft of a proposed joint statement.
The new draft contains statements on energy aid for North Korea, normalization of relations with the United States and Japan, and the provision of peaceful nuclear energy for the North, the BBC reported.
On the ninth day of talks, Hill said North Korea was at a crossroads.
"They can look forward to a brighter future, a more secure future, a more prosperous future but they cannot do it with nuclear weapons," he said. "They have got to get off that."
Meanwhile, Voice of America reported North Korea said if no agreement is reached Wednesday, the talks could be considered a failure.
The negotiations involve the North and South Korea, China, Japan, Russia and the United States, and are aimed at shutting down Pyongyang's nuclear program. In return, North Korea is demanding aid and a non-aggression assurance from the United States.
