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US, DPRK Resumes Talks on Missile Issues in Malaysia
The United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Wednesday resumed talks on missile issues in Kuala Lumpur.
This was a follow-up to discussions held between US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and DPRK leader Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang last week and the second time Malaysia has played host to US-DPRK talks, the first being in July this year.
"Talks this week will build on the serious discussions held last week between Secretary Albright and Chairman Kim," US Assistant Secretary of State for non-proliferation Robert J. Einhorn told reporters here before the start of the talks.
"We will be focusing on all aspects of the missile issue, including North Korea's indigenous missile programs, its missile-related exports and Chairman Kim's idea of exchanging serious North Korea restraint in missiles for launches of its satellites," he said.
The two sides will discuss whether the DPRK should be banned from proceeding with its research on the development of missiles with a range of 3,500-6,000 kilometers and test-launching of long-range missiles.
He said that on the US part, it would seek solutions that promote non-proliferation and regional and global security, and help move US-North Korea (DPRK) relations forward.
The US official said since the July missile talks, positive developments have taken place and this favorable trend is continuing with the second Kuala Lumpur talks.
"The inter-Korean dialogue has intensified, including at the level of defense ministers, and just a few days ago it was announced that working level economic talks will be held soon and that a second round of family reunions would take place by end of this month," he said.
He said the normalization process between the DPRK and Japan was also continuing with another round of discussion held this week in Beijing.
"Additional countries, including most recently the United Kingdom and Germany, are moving toward diplomatic relations with North Korea," he said.
He said although serious developments had been made, including on the missile issues, much work remained to be done.
He hoped this positive record augurs well for the talks this week.
The outcome of the new round of missile talks was seen to have influence on US President Bill Clinton's decision on whether to follow through with his proposed visit to the DPRK.
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