DATE=8/18/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S - NORTH KOREA (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252907
BYLINE=KYLE KING
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United States says recent comments by
North Korean officials have created an opportunity to
improve relations. From the State Department, VOA's
Kyle King reports.
Text: The State Department has been carefully
following comments made by North Korean officials who
indicate they may be ready to discuss North Korea's
missile program.
The United States, South Korea and Japan have
expressed concern that North Korea is about to test a
new long range missile capable of reaching the United
States.
A Foreign Ministry spokesman in Pyongyang said
Wednesday that North Korea has no reason to fire a
missile at the United States even if its missiles
could reach that far.
The spokesman also said North Korea would be willing
to open a dialogue with what he called "hostile
nations" if they request such talks.
State Department spokesman James Rubin says the
statements have hopeful elements. He says the United
States hopes talks on the issue can be held with North
Korea soon.
// RUBIN ACT //
We believe there is a window of opportunity (for
North Korea) to improve relations with the
United States.
// END ACT //
South Korean officials say the recent statements from
the North indicate officials there may be willing to
negotiate a deal that would put a halt to missile
tests.
The United States wants an end to the tests as well as
controls on the export of North Korean missile
technology.
If such a deal can be worked out, U-S officials say it
could open the way for normalization of relations
between Washington and Pyongyang and the eventual
lifting of economic sanctions. (Signed)
Neb/KBK/KL
18-Aug-1999 16:44 PM EDT (18-Aug-1999 2044 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
