US, DPRK move closer to resuming 6-party talks

Source: CCTV.com | 01-18-2007 09:22

The US and DPRK may be moving closer to resuming the Six-party nuclear talks. Negotiators from both countries have been meeting in Germany's capital to explore ways to move forward in the dispute.

US negotiator Christopher Hill said the talk with his DPRK counterpart, Kim Kye-gwan, was useful. And more discussions are on the way.

Hill said the international community has made it clear that the DPRK's nuclear program is unacceptable. He called on the country to make a choice. "The North Koreans have to understand that they have come to a crossroads. North Koreans really have to decide if they want nuclear weapons or do they want a place in the international community." He added.

Hill said the US was not trying to provoke a war. He said DPRK residents have many ways to safeguard their country... without nuclear weapons. "The United States has made very clear we have no intention of attacking North Korea, attacking or invading North Korea. In fact, we look forward to having a good relationship with a de-nuclearized North Korea."

But, the DPRK'S official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, says the US wasn't serious in its efforts to resume six-party talks. It accused the US of blocking the path towards a resumption of talks.

The newspaper also claimed the US was preparing an arms buildup and a series of military exercises aimed at the DPRK. It said the DPRK would mobilize its strong defenses to prevent any such moves by the US.

The DPRK agreed in September 2005 to dismantle its nuclear program in exchange for aid and security guarantees.

The talks later stalled after Pyongyang condemned the US for financial sanctions against the DPRK.

Editor:Du Xiaodan