Amid signs that North Korea is prepared to formally reject a U.S. proposal for ending its nuclear programs, a senior U.S. diplomat will hold talks in Beijing today on the next round of six-nation talks aimed at resolving the impasse over Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions, the State Department said. Joseph R. DeTrani, the special envoy for negotiations with North Korea, will meet with senior Chinese officials as part of a “regular and expected pattern of diplomatic consultations,” State Department spokesman J. Adam Ereli said. He said DeTrani’s trip was designed to help set up “working-level” talks, which are expected to be followed by more senior six-way talks in September.Full Story