The International Atomic Energy Agency says the parties to the six-way nuclear talks and not the nuclear watchdog will decide when to shut down North Korea's main nuclear facility.

IAEA Deputy Director-General Olli Heinonen, fresh from a visit to the North, said in Beijing that the next step is for the six parties to agree on technical issues.

The facility is located in Yongbyon.

Heinonen said he and Pyongyang agreed on the shutdown methods and closure inspections.