Japan and Korea agree further talks

North Korea and Japan have ended their talks in the Japanese city of Kisarazu, aimed at putting aside years of enmity, with an agreement to meet again.

Japanese officials said there had been a very serious exchange of views which had cleared a stage for constructive further talks.

They're expected to take place in October, possibly in Beijing.

Outside the resort hotel where the talks were held, right-wing Japanese groups, gathered in vehicles equippied with loudspeakers.

They were demanding the return of about ten Japanese citizens who they believe were kidnapped by North Korean agents in the 1970's.

Japan inisists that a resolution of the kidnap issue is a prerequisite to establishing diplomatic relations.

The North Koreans say Japan must apologise and offer compensation for its colonial past.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service