US, NK Begin Contacts to Open Dialogue
2003-04-16
As a follow-up to North Korea's indication that it is willing to take part in the U.S.-proposed multilateral dialogue format, the two nations have begun contacts through diplomatic channels to discuss the timing and specific format for talks, a senior Foreign Affairs-Trade Ministry official in Seoul said on Tuesday (April 15).
"There have been contacts between the two sides since North Korea expressed its willingness to join the multilateral talks, which the U.S. positively assessed," the official said on condition of anonymity.
"The New York channel...is always open," U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Philip Reeker said. "I am not aware of specific conversations and just wouldn't get into that at this point, but we are following up on what we read."
In a statement issued on April 12, North Korea's Foreign Ministry said it would be open to multilateral dialogue if the U.S. gave up its hostile policy toward the nation.
The statement was regarded as a step back from the North's persistent demands for direct talks with the U.S. to discuss its nuclear program.
Sources said North Korean and U.S. working-level officials recently met either in New York or Beijing, China.
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Howard Baker said he expects the issue on the multilateral dialogue format surrounding the North Korean nuclear issue will be settled in the days to come. He expressed confidence the issue will be resolved diplomatically.
A Cheong Wa Dae official said there has been more progress than has been disclosed regarding the North Korean nuclear issue although it was "not at the stage to talk about it any further."
A Foreign Affairs-Trade Ministry official foresaw that the North will take steps to prove its willingness to have dialogue, given that it has been refraining from provocative acts that would worsen the security situation on the Korean peninsula.
The official said the government is not fixed on any specific dialogue format and will continue to consult with related nations.
Meanwhile, Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun reported Monday that Seoul, Washington and Tokyo will hold a meeting of the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group to discuss the North Korean nuclear issue including the details for multilateral dialogue.
But Seoul officials denied the report, saying it has yet to consult with U.S. and Japanese counterparts.
Source : www.korea.net
