North Korea insists on right to peaceful nuclear programme

North Korea today insisted it has a right to a peaceful nuclear programme, dimming prospects for progress at international talks on ending the communist nation’s atomic weapons programme.

Envoys were arriving in Beijing for the resumption later today of six-nation talks on the issue. The latest round, the fourth since 2003, broke for a recess last month after a record 13 straight days of talks failed to yield an agreement.