DATE=8/18/1999 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=NUMBER=2-252897 BYLINE=HYUN-SUNG KHANG DATELINE=SEOUL INTERNET=YES CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: North Korea says it is ready to negotiate its missile program. A statement from Pyongyang's official media follows an interview with a leading North Korean official who suggested tensions between his country and the United States could be reduced. As Hyun-Sung Khang reports from Seoul, South Korean officials are cautiously welcoming the latest statements from Pyongyang. TEXT: Tensions in the region have been increasing the past few weeks, with growing expectations North Korea is preparing to test fire a missile. But a statement from Pyongyang's official media appears to suggest the missile threat, may have turned a corner. The Korea Central News Agency is reported as saying North Korea is always ready for negotiation over its missile program, if hostile nations honestly request it. The report suggested North Korean weapons could reach the U-S mainland. It also repeated Pyongyang's claim a missile launch over Japan a year ago, was aimed at placing a satellite in orbit. The report follows statements by ruling "North Korean Workers Party" Secretary Kim Yong-Sun suggesting tensions between Pyongyang and Washington over his country's missile program could be defused. // OPT // In an interview with an international broadcaster, the close confidante of the North Korean leader said -- if a visitor brings us a cake, we will also give cakes, but if they bring a sword, we will respond with a sword. //END OPT // Kim Yong- Sun insisted his country's missile program was entirely defensive and accused the United States of continued antagonism towards North Korea. South Korean officials cautiously welcomed the latest developments. A spokesman for South Korea's foreign Ministry, said the government did not place excessive significance on each and every remark by North Korean officials. But he added -- the only thing we can say for sure is; the missile crisis does not appear to be worsening. Many analysts see the latest development as evidence of continued North Korean brinkmanship. The United States, South Korea, and Japan have promised a package of diplomatic and economic concessions to Pyongyang, if it abandons its missile project. One official at the Unification Ministry in Seoul is reported in the local media as saying the missile is one of the last leverages Pyongyang retains for negotiations with foreign countries. He added that North Korea would not throw away its diplomatic card until the last minute because the country knows it would be at a huge disadvantage if it did so. (SIGNED) NEB/HSK/RAE 18-Aug-1999 11:59 AM LOC (18-Aug-1999 1559 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .
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