Nuclear negotiators claim progress in talks with North Korea

Beijing: Negotiators say they have made progress during a second day of talks with North Korea over its nuclear programme.

A South Korean official said discussions had moved beyond guidelines for verifying North Korea's declaration and onto economic and energy aid.

"Does it mean they have an agreement? Well you can't quite say that, because they're looking at a package of agenda items," a spokesman added.

North Korea has already agreed an initial disarmament deal that saw Pyongyang freeze and begin disabling its Yongbyon nuclear reactor.

As a result, the north will receive energy aid and the promise of improved diplomatic relations.