New round of N. Korea nuke talks this week

SEOUL, Dec. 10 (UPI) -- Delegates from six nations headed for China Monday for a new round of talks on the dismantling of North Korea's nuclear program.

South Korea will lead the negotiations Tuesday and Wednesday in Beijing.

The Yonhap news agency said the talks would be focused on economic and energy assistance North Korea will receive in exchange for the permanent shutdown of the north's nuclear facilities.

The current deal calls for 1 million tons of heavy fuel oil to be shipped to the north to run power plants that will take the place of the nuclear plant.

Officials from North and South Korea, China, Japan, Russia and the United States were scheduled to attend the sessions.