Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=02/02/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=US KOREAS/TALKS (SHORT)

NUMBER=2-312589

BYLINE=AMY BICKERS

DATELINE=TOKYO

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Leading U-S diplomats were in Tokyo and Seoul Monday to discuss how to get North Korea back to the negotiating table to end the crisis over its nuclear ambitions. As V-O-A's Amy Bickers reports from Tokyo, the U-S envoys expressed optimism that another round of talks will take place soon.

TEXT: U-S Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage said Monday in Tokyo that more talks to end the North Korean nuclear standoff could be held soon.

The United States, North and South Korea, China, Japan and Russia held an initial round in Beijing in August but it ended inconclusively. Ever since, efforts have been underway to arrange a second meeting.

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I believe that it is the strength and unity of this particular coalition that will with wisdom and with patience lead to an end of North Korea's nuclear threat.

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U-S Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly said he thought talks could be held as early as this month. He made the comments Sunday while visiting Seoul to discuss the North Korea issue.

The crisis began 17 months ago, when U-S officials said Pyongyang admitted to a secret nuclear weapons program. (SIGNED)

NEB/HK/AB/KPD