Confusion over N Korea ‘agreement’
US envoy casts doubt on North Korean report of ‘agreement’ at nuclear talks.
“The talks took place from January 16 to 18 in a positive and sincere atmosphere and a certain agreement was reached there” North Korean foreign ministry statement “I’m sorry, I’m not really sure what he’s referring to” Christopher Hill, |
Appearing puzzled at the North Korean statement, Hill said the meetings with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Kye-gwan, had produced “very useful discussions.”
NUCLEAR NEGOTIATIONS |
2003 February: Second round of talks make no significant progress June: Third round of talks discusses scope, time, and method of verification for disarming North Korea. Again no agreement is made 2005September: At a fourth round of talks all parties agree plan of action under which North Korea would end its nuclear programme in exchange for aid and security guarantees North Korea subsequently demands a civilian light-water reactor; a demand rejected by the US and Japan 2006October 9: North Korea conducts first nuclear weapon test December: Fifth round of talks end in deadlock. North Korea insists US financial sanctions end as a precondition to disarmament talks |
His comments were echoed by Tony Snow, the White House spokesman, who told reporters: “We have not had bilateral talks. What you had … this week in Berlin were talks with Chris Hill and a North Korean representative as preparations for the six-party talks.”