 North Korea wants a change in the political atmosphere before it will attend talks on its nuclear plans and has asked the United States to send a signal to that effect, a senior UN official said on Thursday. Jean Ping, president of the UN General Assembly, told reporters after talks with South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun that North Korea had given him a message for the United States during a visit to Pyongyang. "It was a message that the US should give us signs that will improve the climate for negotiations," said Ping, who is Gabon's foreign minister. North and South Korea, the United States, Japan, Russia and China have met for three inconclusive rounds of talks on its nuclear ambitions. US officials say Pyongyang has one or two nuclear bombs and enough material for another six.
| Still to early to see what the hell's playing out in the Hermit Kingdom. As usual, one day they're hot, the next day they're cold. One day it's Kim Jong Il buttons, the next day Kim Il Sung buttons, the day after it's Dewey buttons. I'd say let them stew until we decide how we want to take the initiative, if at all. |
|