Deal Struck, Kim Will Dismantle Nuke Plants

Kim Jong-Il has reportedly agreed in six-party talks to begin disabling his nuclear facilities and revealing program details. In return—though not part of the agreement—the US will fast-track North Korea's removal from its terrorism list. The terms show new flexibility from a waning Bush administration, as well as relief from sanctions for Pyongyang, the Post reports.

Kim will begin dismantling facilities immediately and promises to allow US and other experts to examine them; Washington seems willing to accept more modest disabling than originally indicated. Tokyo is loath to see North Korea taken off the US list—largely a symbolic step—until the pariah comes clean about abductions of Japanese; a side agreement reportedly encourages Pyongyang to take steps in that direction (More North Korea stories.)