Across Asia: Dprk

French envoy starts talks

French President Nicolas Sarkozy's special envoy began talks yesterday with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on establishing diplomatic relations and the international standoff over Pyongyang's nuclear programs.

DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Kung Sok-ung, who is in charge of European affairs, welcomed envoy Jack Lang at the airport in Pyongyang and the two later held talks, according to footage from broadcaster APTN.