The North Korea has millions of dollars deposited in a Macau bank.

North Korea says it will not shut down its nuclear program as agreed until the United States releases millions of dollars frozen in a Macau bank. US officials say that decision is up to Macau. The comments come ahead of Monday’s resumption in Beijing on North Korea’s nuclear disarmament.

The Russian President Vladmir Putin has paid lavish tribute to the internationally renowned cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich on his 80th birthday. At a gala dinner held in his honor of the Kremlin on Tuesday, Mr. Rostropovich spoke briefly of his happiness on this occasion. Mr. Putin lauded Mr. Rostropovich’s brilliant musical career and described him as an uncompromising fighter of democracy.