North Korea has shutdown its one operational nuclear reactor after having received an oil shipment for South Korea. U.N. inspectors are expected to verify the shutdown soon.

CNN has the report of Korea's shutting of their reactor, part of negotiations to seek an end to U.S. sanctions.

Sanctions against the relatively poor North Korea have had a devastating effect on their economy if news reports are to be believed. It is unclear what the effects of lifting the sanctions will be should that transpire.

Further Reading:

• North Korea Tests Missiles
• North Korea: What's Being Done Besides Finger Pointing?