DATE=8/8/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=NORTH KOREA MISSILE (L-O)
NUMBER=2-252581
BYLINE=HYUN SUNG KHANG
DATELINE=SEOUL
INTERNET=YES
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Amid growing expectations of a missile launch
by North Korea, it is maintaining it has a right to
launch a missile. North Korean representatives have
also rebuffed suggestions to discuss the issue with
the United States. From the South Korean capital,
Seoul, Hyun-Sung Khang reports.
TEXT: North Korea has long-maintained it is within
its rights to launch a missile. It has often declared
the aggressive posture by the United States, forces
the country to take defensive action. But in the most
strongly worded declaration yet, North Korean Deputy
Foreign Minister Kim Gye Gwan has been quoted as
saying -- If it is necessary, we will launch a
missile.
Speaking in Geneva at the four-way talks involving the
two Koreas, China, and the United States, Mr. Kim
rebuffed suggestions his country should discuss the
issue of missiles with the United States. He
maintains it is a sovereign matter.
North Korea has warned the United States that attempts
to pressure it into abandoning launch plans could
trigger what it called -- unpredictable consequences.
In response, the United States has consistently warned
of what it calls -- serious consequences -- should
North Korea go ahead with a missile launch. It is
simultaneously urging the country to widen relations
with the outside world.
The issue of a possible missile launch has
overshadowed the talks in Geneva, which were launched
at the end of 1997 to reduce tension on the Korean
peninsula and forge a formal peace treaty. The two
Koreans have been technically in a state of war for
more than 45-years. This is the sixth-session of
negotiations, but with talks due to end Monday, there
is little sign of any progress.
North Korea has consistently demanded the United
States discuss the removal of the 37-thousand American
troops stationed in South Korea and for a bilateral
peace treaty with the United States.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Japan and South Korea
overcame their historic enmity in the face of a common
threat and conducted their first ever joint naval
drills, mobilizing five warships. (SIGNED)
NEB/HSK/RAE
08-Aug-1999 08:48 AM EDT (08-Aug-1999 1248 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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