DATE=9/13/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S NORTH KOREA MISSILE (S)
NUMBER=2-253824
BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The United States says it believes it has an
agreement with North Korea in which Pyongyang will
freeze tests of its long-range missiles as long as
both countries remain in negotiations aimed at
improving relations. There had been fears North Korea
was preparing to test fire a new long-range rocket
capable reaching as far as Alaska and Hawaii.
Correspondent Nick Simeone reports the apparent
breakthrough means Secretary of State Madeleine
Albright is expected to recommend to President Clinton
that some sanctions against the Pyongyang government
be lifted.
TEXT: The Clinton administration is calling this
agreement a substantial step toward reducing North
Korea's threat to the region. Based on an
understanding worked out in talks between American and
North Korean diplomats in Berlin, the United States
expects Pyongyang not to carry out another long range
missile test.
State department spokesman James Rubin.
// RUBIN ACT //
It is our understanding that the North Koreans
will refrain from testing any long range
missiles for the duration of our negotiations in
order to improve our relations. Obviously,
prime among any objective in our negotiations to
improve relations would be to formalize the
intentions of North Korea with respect to the
testing of missiles.
// END ACT //
After North Korea surprised the world by testing a
long-range missile last year, Washington and its
allies in the region have repeatedly warned another
test would have severe diplomatic and economic
consequences. (SIGNED)
NEB/NJS/TVM/RAE
13-Sep-1999 15:37 PM LOC (13-Sep-1999 1937 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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