U.S. to lead group to North Korea within 2 weeks

BEIJING - The United States will lead an expert group to North Korea within the next two weeks to prepare for disablement of the country's nuclear facilities, according to a statement agreed at six-party disarmament talks.

At the request of the other parties, the United States will lead disablement activities and provide initial funding for them, the statement, published on Wednesday, said.

North Korea has also reaffirmed its commitment not to transfer nuclear materials, technology or know-how, the statement added.