North Korea Ready for War and Dialogue Over Nuclear Program
VOA News
10 Jul 2003, 10:49 UTC
A top North Korean envoy says his nation is ready for both war and dialogue in dealing with the crisis over Pyongyang's nuclear program. Kim Ryong Song told reporters before Thursday's talks with South Korean officials in Seoul that North Korea wants to resolve the nuclear issue peacefully. But he said if "outside forces" want war, Pyongyang will be prepared for that as well.
A South Korean spokesman called on North Korea not to worsen the situation, saying Pyongyang could get international aid if it abandons its nuclear ambitions.
The spokesman also said North Korea again rejected a call for multilateral talks to end the nuclear standoff, insisting on direct talks with the United States.
The inter-Korean talks, which continue until Saturday, have been overshadowed by South Korean allegations that North Korea has taken key steps toward developing nuclear weapons.
North Korea re-started its reactor at Yongbyon in February, citing what it called "aggressive" U.S. policies. But Pyongyang insists the reactor is being used for making electricity.
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