DATE=8/18/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S - NORTH KOREA (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-252907
BYLINE=KYLE KING
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO:  The United States says recent comments by 
North Korean officials have created an opportunity to 
improve relations.  From the State Department, VOA's 
Kyle King reports.

Text:  The State Department has been carefully 
following comments made by North Korean officials who 
indicate they may be ready to discuss North Korea's 
missile program.

The United States, South Korea and Japan have 
expressed concern that North Korea is about to test a 
new long range missile capable of reaching the United 
States.

A Foreign Ministry spokesman in Pyongyang said 
Wednesday that North Korea has  no  reason to fire a 
missile at the United States even if its missiles 
could reach that far.

The spokesman also said North Korea would be willing 
to open a dialogue with what he called "hostile 
nations" if they request such talks.

State Department spokesman James Rubin says the 
statements have hopeful elements.  He says the United 
States hopes talks on the issue can be held with North 
Korea soon. 

            // RUBIN ACT //

      We believe there is a window of opportunity (for 
      North Korea) to improve relations with the 
      United States.

            // END ACT //

South Korean officials say the recent statements from 
the North indicate officials there may be willing to 
negotiate a deal that would put a halt to missile 
tests.

The United States wants an end to the tests as well as 
controls on the export of North Korean missile 
technology.

If such a deal can be worked out, U-S officials say it 
could open the way for normalization of relations 
between Washington and Pyongyang and the eventual 
lifting of economic sanctions.  (Signed)

Neb/KBK/KL 



18-Aug-1999 16:44 PM EDT (18-Aug-1999 2044 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.