Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=7-3-2001

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

NUMBER=2-277875

TITLE=U-S / KOREA MISSILES (L-ONLY)

BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST

DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Bush administration says it expects North Korea to hold to its self-declared moratorium on ballistic missile tests. This follows a reported test-firing by Pyongyang of an engine used it its long-range "Taepodong" missile. V-O-A's David Gollust reports from the State Department.

TEXT: Officials here would not confirm the reported engine test, which the Washington Times newspaper said occurred last week. The Times quoted intelligence officials as saying tell-tale burn marks were photographed by U-S military reconnaissance aircraft.

The State Department, citing a long-standing policy, said it would not comment on intelligence matters, however, it used the occasion to reiterate concern about North Korea's missile program, which the United States has been trying to end through negotiations with Pyongyang.

Spokesman Richard Boucher said the North Korean program -- which included a 1998 test-firing of a "Taepodong" rocket over Japan -- is destabilizing to the region:

///BOUCHER ACTUALITY///

We think those activities continue to pose a threat to regional security and stability and to U-S friends, forces and interests. We expect North Korea to abide by its moratorium on the launch of long-range missiles. We will continue to take to steps to address North Korea's overall missile efforts and to work closely with other countries in doing so.

///END ACT///

Mr. Boucher said an actual flight test -- as opposed to the reported static-firing of the missile -- would be a "a very serious matter" and contrary to U-S-North Korean understandings.

North Korea agreed to suspend flight tests in 1999 as a prelude to missile negotiations with the Clinton administration.

The two sides were reported near a deal last year under which North Korea was to have ended missile production and exports of missile technology in exchange for U-S aid. However, an accord could not be completed before President Clinton left office.

After a lengthy policy review, the Bush administration reopened contacts with North Korea with a meeting of senior diplomats June 13th in New York.

The U-S side at the meeting proposed new negotiations on a broader agenda including North Korea's large array of conventional forces, most of which are deployed near the Korean demilitarized zone.

North Korea later complained in an official commentary that the U-S proposal amounted to an attempt to negotiate its unilateral disarmament.

However, spokesman Boucher said administration officials do not consider the June 18th statement from Pyongyang as a definitive reply to the U-S overture, which remains on the table. (Signed)

NEB/DAG/KBK