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US to Resume Low-level Talks With Pyongyang
US President George W. Bush said on Wednesday that his administration has completed a review of its policy toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and that he has ordered his foreign policy team to resume talks with Pyongyang.
"Our approach will offer North Korea (DPRK) the opportunity to demonstrate the seriousness of its desire for improved relations," Bush said in a written statement.
"If North Korea (DPRK) responds affirmatively and takes appropriate action, we will expand our efforts to help the North Korean people, ease sanctions, and take other political steps," he said.
According to Bush, talks with the DPRK will cover a broad agenda, including the DPRK's nuclear and missile programs as well as the posture of its conventional forces.
"We will pursue these discussions in the context of a comprehensive approach to North Korea (DPRK) which will seek to encourage progress toward North-South reconciliation, peace on the Korean peninsula, a constructive relationship with the United States and greater stability in the region," he said in the statement.
The decision to resume talks with the DPRK reportedly came after extensive discussions among Bush's foreign policy advisers on Tuesday.
An administration official disclosed earlier Wednesday that Secretary of State Colin Powell will formally inform South Korean Foreign Minister Han Seung-soo of the U.S. decision in a meeting scheduled here for Thursday.
The Clinton administration has conducted intensive negotiations with the DPRK on the missile issue over past months. But the Bush team suspended the talks, insisting that it needs a full review of US policy toward the DPRK.
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