DATE=7/30/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=COHEN / NORTH KOREA MISSILE (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252324
BYLINE=HYUN-SUNG KHANG
DATELINE=SEOUL
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: U-S Defense Secretary, William Cohen has warned
North Korea must choose between confrontation and
cooperation. His remarks came at the end of his visit
to Asia and against expectations the isolationist
North is planning a missile launch before the end of
the year. From the South Korean capital, Seoul, Hyun-
Sung Khang reports.
TEXT: According to the U-S Defense Secretary, North
Korea is at a crossroads. Mr. Cohen declared Pyongyang
could take advantage of economic and political
opportunities from cooperating with the United States,
South Korea and Japan. Alternatively, he says it
could launch a new missile. He characterizes the
choice as one between confrontation over cooperation
and isolation over integration.
Mr. Cohen made his statement against fevered
speculation in Asia and Washington North Korea is
planning to test launch another missile -- which
experts fear might have a range that could hit parts
of the U-S mainland.
In talks Friday with his South Korean counterpart, Cho
Sung-Tse, Mr. Cohen said aid to famine-stricken North
Korea would be cut if the isolationist country goes
ahead with another missile launch.
Last August, Pyongyang's launched its first missile,
which it said was an attempt to place a satellite into
orbit.
North Korea has responded to Mr. Cohen's visit to the
region by asserting any missile launch would be within
its sovereign rights.
The U-S defense secretary's visit to Asia included
meetings with the leaders of South Korean and Japan.
Following the talks, Mr. Cohen said Japan, South Korea
and the United States plan to coordinate their actions
in case of any hostile move by the North. He urged
the three countries to present a united front.
NEB/HSK/GC / wd
30-Jul-1999 05:15 AM LOC (30-Jul-1999 0915 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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