DPRK Wants to Resolve Tensions on the Korean Peninsula Through Talks

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, February 09, 2002

DPRK Wants to Resolve Tensions on the Korean Peninsula Through Talks

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The DPRK wants to resolve tensions on the Korean Peninsula through talks with Seoul and Washington, Pak Gil-yon, DPRK ambassador to the United Nations, said Thursday in an interview with the Associated Press.

"We are always looking forward to the solution of issues through negotiations and talks," Mr. Pak said.

He objected, however, to the "axis of evil" characterization of DPRK in U.S. President George W. Bush's State of the Union speech.

Mr. Pak said the North wanted to resume dialogue with Washington on an "equal basis without any preconditions." It is up to Washington to choose talks or hostile relations with Pyeongyang, Mr. Pak insisted.

It is the first time that a senior DPRK government official has called for the resumption of dialogue with the United States since Mr. Bush's speech.

Diplomatic observers are watching to see whether a series of recent developments in DPRK-U.S. affairs would warm the chill in the peninsula. Working-level contact between the North and the United States recently took place in New York, and four former U.S. ambassadors, including Stephen Bosworth, rescheduled their visit to Pyeongyang for Feb. 23.

Washington, too, has begun to adjust its emphasis, stressing talks with Pyeongyang and a stronger alliance with Seoul. A senior U.S. government official said Thursday that Washington is not interested in making DPRK-U.S. relations the core issue of peace in the peninsula. Mr. Bush agrees with South Korean President Kim Dae-jung that inter-Korean dialogues and reconciliation are the key to achieve peace, the official said.

At a special briefing for reporters from South Korea, China and Japan, the official said that Mr. Bush's visit to Seoul would provide an opportunity to demonstrate the two countries' common goal of inter-Korean reconciliation. Washington hopes to see some progress in negotiations on nuclear and conventional weapons, if Pyeongyang is serious about improving relations, the official added.

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