An American delegation, consisting of U.S. Senate aides, scholars, and nuclear experts, is expected to exchange necessary information with U.S. State Department and other government officials on the results of its visit to North Korea, following the conclusion of its trip there.

Deputy State Department Spokesman Adam Ereli said in a regular news briefing Monday that the members of the delegation comprise people who would normally consult with the State Department on major pending issues.

Asked whether the delegates were carrying a personal letter or message from U.S. President George W. Bush, Ereli said the delegation does not represent the U.S. government, but was instead purely private in nature.

The U.S. delegates are scheduled to inspect locations in North Korea, including the nuclear reactor facilities at Yongbyon, from January 6th thru 10th, the first trip of its kind since October 2002.