DATE=6/19/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=ROGUE STATES NO LONGER (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-263555
BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE
DATELINE=WASHINGTON
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The term "rogue states" has been used for
years to describe countries considered a threat to
world order such as North Korea, Iran and Libya. But
now, Washington has decided the term has outlived its
usefulness. Correspondent Nick Simeone reports on a
subtle shift in diplomacy that goes beyond words.
TEXT: American diplomats are no longer calling
countries such as Iran, Libya and North Korea "rogue
states". That designation has been dropped. Now,
they're called "states of concern."
The change represents more than just semantics. In
fact, changing the designation of such countries
implies positive trends. It didn't pass without
notice that this much milder designation was announced
on the same day that the United States lifted some
sanctions against one of the countries that had been
labeled a "rogue state" - North Korea.
State Department Spokesman Richard Boucher.
/// BOUCHER ACT ///
What we see now is a certain evolution in different
ways in different places, some places that were
described that way have embarked upon more democratic
internal life. Others have been willing to address
some of the issues that are of primary concern to the
United States.
/// END ACT ///
North Korea has promised to stop testing ballistic
missiles and has just held a summit with its long-time
arch-enemy, the South. U-S officials point to
positive changes in other countries that have also
been branded rogue states. In Iran pro-reform
candidates scored major victories in recent
parliamentary elections, and Libya has handed over two
suspects long wanted in the Lockerbie airline bombing.
The change in designation suggests Washington may be
rethinking its relationship with such countries,
including Libya and North Korea which remain accused
of supporting terrorism.
/// SECOND BOUCHER ACT ///
If we're able to encourage them or pressure them or
otherwise produce changes in their behavior and
therefore change in our relationship, we're willing to
do that.
/// END ACT ///
The United States is already holding talks with North
Korea. It's also seeking dialogue with Iran, and has
long had high level relations with Syria, another
country accused of supporting terrorism. (SIGNED)
NEB/NJS/KBK
19-Jun-2000 18:31 PM LOC (19-Jun-2000 2231 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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