Cautious welcome for N Korea deal

International figures have given a cautious welcome to an agreement reached with North Korea over its nuclear programme.

The deal, under which North Korea will take the first steps towards nuclear disarmament in return for fuel aid, was agreed at six-party talks in Beijing.

GEORGE W BUSH, US PRESIDENT

These talks represent the best opportunity to use diplomacy to address North Korea's nuclear programmes.

ROH MOO-HYUN, SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT

All necessary measures must be taken immediately in order to translate the agreement into reality.

SHINZO ABE, JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER

We understand the agreement marks the first concrete step by North Korea toward nuclear dismantlement. However, Japan cannot provide [aid] support without resolving the abduction issue.

WU DAWEI, CHINESE ENVOY TO THE TALKS

The six-party talks not only will benefit the peace, stability and development of the peninsula, but also serve to improve the relations of related sides and also benefit the building of a harmonious north-east Asia.

RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENT

The results ... give additional impetus to the six-sided talks, the ultimate goal of which is guaranteeing the nuclear-free status of the Korean peninsula, as well as creating conditions for the strengthening peace and security.

SPOKESWOMAN FOR BAN KI-MOON, UN SECRETARY GENERAL

This agreement represents the first practical stage toward a non-nuclear peninsula... The secretary general urges the participants to make every effort to sustain the current positive momentum and ensure that this accord is implemented as agreed.

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, US SECRETARY OF STATE

I think it's actually a good story of international co-operation and bringing together the right states to bring together the right set of incentives and disincentives.

CHRISTOPHER HILL, US ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE

We have a lot of work to do. It's certainly not the end of the process. It's really just the end of the beginning of the process, but I think we are all very encouraged.

MARGARET BECKETT, UK FOREIGN SECRETARY

This is a step in the right direction towards the peaceful denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. It shows the benefits of patient diplomacy, backed by concerted action by the international community.

TONY SNOW, WHITE HOUSE SPOKESMAN

If they don't abide by the terms, they don't get the benefits they desire.

JOHN BOLTON, FORMER US AMBASSADOR TO THE UN

It sends exactly the wrong signal to would-be proliferators around the world.

FRANK-WALTER STEINMEIER, GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER

We have to be careful at the moment, but the implementation of the agreement reached in Beijing could open up the opportunity to make an important step towards more stability in East Asia and especially on the entire Korean peninsula.