DATE=9/2/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=NORTH KOREA / MISSILE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253363
BYLINE=TANYA CLARK
DATELINE=TOKYO
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The prime ministers of Japan and South Korea
are promising to reward North Korea if it drops plans
to test launch a ballistic missile. Tanya Clark
reports from Tokyo the two leaders met (Thursday) in
the Japanese capital and agreed on a joint stance
towards North Korea's missile program.
TEXT: South Korean Prime Minister Kim Chong-pil
offered North Korea what he termed -- an appropriate
benefit -- for dropping its suspected plans to test
launch a new long-range missile. The South Korean
leader, is in Japan until Sunday, and met with his
Japanese counterpart Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi to
discuss North Korea's missile program.
At a joint news conference, neither leader would
elaborate on what that benefit might be.
But Mr. Obuchi said the suspension of the launch would
allow Japan, South Korea, and the United States to
move their relationship with the North in a --
constructive way.
During the past week, there have been signs North
Korea may back down from its threat to test launch a
ballistic missile. But tensions returned to the
region (Thursday) when the North-Korean military
announced the sea border separating the two Koreas
invalid. North Korea declared its right to self-
defense by unspecified various means and methods.
Mr. Obuchi and Mr. Kim pledged close cooperation with
the United States, to prevent North Korea from test
firing the Taepodong II missile.
North Korea first launched a ballistic missile one-
year ago. It flew over Japan and landed in the sea.
The second-generation missile is considered more
powerful and capable of reaching as far as Hawaii or
Alaska.
U-S officials are to begin discussions with North
Korea in Berlin next week. Both Mr. Kim and Mr.
Obuchi said they hope the negotiations will lead to a
positive outcome.
NEB/TC/GC/fc/RAE
02-Sep-1999 07:38 AM EDT (02-Sep-1999 1138 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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