The White House said Friday that President George W. Bush had authorized US$25 million in energy aid to North Korea.

"This action is in accordance with the principle of 'action for action' under the six-party talks and demonstrates the US commitment to the denuclearization of North Korea," US National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe said.

US media said the money will be used to pay for 50,000 metric tons of fuel oil for North Korea, part of the agreement reached in February this year in Beijing for North Korea to dismantle its nuclear program.

(Xinhua News Agency September 29, 2007)