N. Korea Discloses Nuclear Program Document
North Korea handed over a document accounting for part of its nuclear program to Chinese officials, an important first step toward dismantling N. Korea's nuclear program.
North Korea turned over a document detailing its nuclear program to Chinese officials in Beijing on Thursday which has resulted in the lifting of trade sanctions against the rogue nation by the United States. It detailed aspects of North Korea's plutonium production and other parts of its nuclear program.
The release of this document comes seven years after President Bush described North Korea as part of the "axis of evil" and less than two years after North Korea shocked the world by exploding a small nuclear device. According to Bush, the disclosure of the nuclear program marks the start of an "action for action" process.
The ultimate goal is a full dismantling of the country's nuclear facilities and weapons.
As part of this disclosure, North Korea is expected to demolish a cooling tower at its Yongbyon nuclear plant.
By handing over the disclosure document today, North Korea clears the way for an increase in international fuel and food shipments.
Some important points have been excluded, namely a full accounting of nuclear weapons and the country's efforts to enrich uranium, which will be discussed in further negotiations.
