Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=08/28/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=KOREA TALKS FINAL DAY(S)

NUMBER=2-306961

BYLINE=LUIS RAMIREZ

DATELINE=BEIJING

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The six-nation talks on the North Korean nuclear crisis enter a third and final day today (Friday) in Beijing. V-O-A's Luis Ramirez reports

the closing day came as U-S officials are quoted as saying North Korea has threatened to declare itself a nuclear nation and is considering doing a nuclear test.

TEXT: News agencies say the comments were made by the head of the North Korean team, Vice Foreign Minister Kim Yong-il.

Washington, while not commenting directly on the reported remarks, downplayed what officials say is Pyongyang's past record of making intimidating remarks during negotiations.

Delegates gathered Friday for the third and final day of talks hosted by China. Japan, the two Koreas, Russia, and the United States took part in the closed door meeting.

The three-day gathering is meant to be a first step toward resolving a standoff that has been going on since October. The United States and others are demanding that North Korea dismantle its nuclear weapons program, while Pyongyang wants Washington to sign a non-aggression pact.

Sources close to the talks said all sides were discussing a final draft. Diplomats say it will include an agreement to hold a second round of talks in Beijing over the coming months. (Signed)

NEB/HK/LR/PT