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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