Oil Supply Resumption Depends on NK Attitude
2003-01-13
U.S. Assistant Secretary of James Kelly said Monday the United States might be willing to help North Korea ease its energy problem if the lingering standoff over the North's nuclear weapons program settles down.
"Once we can get beyond the nuclear weapons, there may be opportunities for the United States, with private investors and with other countries, to help North Korea in the energy area," Kelly said during a news conference at the Foreign Affairs-Trade Ministry in downtown Seoul.
Kelly arrived here Sunday for talks with South Korean officials amid escalating tension on the Korean peninsula, prompted by North Korea's brinkmanship diplomacy on the nuclear issue.
He reiterated the U.S. stand that it would hold dialogue with North Korea on how it will comply with nuclear obligations to the international community.
"We are, of course, willing to talk to North Korea about its response to the international community, particularly with respect to elimination of nuclear weapons. And we are going to be talking here with government people on some of the best ways to do that," he said.
Before holding the news conference, Kelly met President-elect Roh Moo-hyun. He also met Foreign Minister Choi Sung-hong and presidential security advisors later in the day.
Kelly said, "I wanted to hear directly from the president-elect some of his views and how he sees Korea developing under his presidency and he very generously explained his views. We see this as a great opportunity to improve and build our relationship and our alliance for the next 50 years and Mr. Roh commented on that."
Source : www.korea.net
