UN nuclear inspectors are in North Korea's capital to monitor the planned shutdown of its atomic reactor.

The International Atomic Energy arrived in Pyongyang as North Korea began unloading the first shipment of fuel oil to be delivered under a key nuclear disarmament accord.

Under the deal, North Korea is required to close its nuclear reactor at Yongbyon in exchange for fuel supplies.

The oil delivery is the first shipment of the one million tons of fuel aid that Pyongyang has been promised in return for disarming.

North Korea agreed in February to end its nuclear programme in return for energy aid and better international relations.