DATE=9/17/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON-KOREA SANCTIONS (L)
NUMBER=2-254016
BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: President Clinton is easing restrictions on U-
S trade and finance with North Korea in return for a
commitment by Pyongyang not to test long-range
ballistic missiles. VOA's David Gollust reports from
the White House.
Text: The easing of sanctions will allow trade in
consumer goods, the transfer of funds between U-S and
North Korean citizens, and the relaxation of
restrictions on air and sea transportation for
passengers and cargo.
The announcement came in a written White House
statement and followed high-level talks between the
two countries capped by six days of discussions
earlier this month in Berlin.
On the basis of those meetings, the statement says, it
is the United States' "understanding" that North Korea
will continue to refrain from testing long-range
missiles as, quoting here, "both sides move toward
more normal relations."
Under questioning, White House spokesman Joe Lockhart
made clear the deal would be off if the North Koreans
went ahead and tested their long-range missile
prototype, which has a potential range in excess of
five thousand kilometers:
///LOCKHART ACTUALITY///
This is a very conditional lifting of sanctions.
I think, as we've made very clear, if they
resume testing, the sanctions will be put back
on.
///END ACT///
The easing of trade and investment sanctions does not
affect U-S counter-terrorism or weapons' non-
proliferation controls on North Korea, which remain in
effect and prohibit sales of weapons and dual-use
items and most types of U-S aid.
The chief U-S negotiator for the deal - former Defense
Secretary William Perry - has briefed leaders of
Congress on the arrangement, which is already under
attack from some Republicans who argue, among other
things, that Pyongyang continues to stage hostile acts
against South Korea.
But spokesman Lockhart says South Korea and Japan have
been involved in the negotiating process and are quite
supportive of the U-S decision, which he says will
enhance regional security:
///LOCKHART ACTUALITY TWO///
I think you have to look at the importance of
promoting our relations with North Korea and the
influence it has on the Korean Peninsula. And I
think it is vitally important to the stability
of that region that North Korea moves, and
continues to move and refrain from the long-
range testing.
///END ACT///
Mr. Lockhart said the notion advanced by some critics
that North Korea has successfully blackmailed the
United States with its threat of missile testing is
"grossly inaccurate" and that the impoverished North
has much to gain from adhering to the arrangement and
expanding trade and development. (Signed)
NEB/DAG/ENE/KL
17-Sep-1999 12:59 PM EDT (17-Sep-1999 1659 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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