DATE=9/12/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON / NORTH KOREA (L)
NUMBER=2-253761
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=AUCKLAND
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:


INTRO:  President Clinton and the leaders of South 
Korea and Japan are considering easing sanctions 
against North Korea, if it gives up its weapons 
program.  Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from 
Auckland, New Zealand, where the meeting took place on 
the sidelines of an Asian-Pacific trade summit. 

Text:  Mr. Clinton met with South Korean President Kim 
Dae Jung and Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi to 
discuss ways to persuade North Korea to avoid testing 
another ballistic missile, as they believe it is 
planning to do.

Pyongyang alarmed the United States and its allies 
last year, when it test-fired a missile over Japan.

In a written statement after the meeting, the three 
leaders said they are prepared to take measures to 
improve relations with North Korea -- if Pyongyang 
takes steps to reduce tensions and establish lasting 
peace on the Korean peninsula.

National Security Advisor Sandy Berger said western 
measures could include a lifting of some sanctions.

        // BERGER ACTUALITY //

The three leaders indicated that -- if there was a 
manifestation by the North Koreans that they would not 
proceed with (missile) testing -- that some form of 
easing of the sanctions might be appropriate.

        // END ACTUALITY //

Earlier, in a speech to international businessmen, Mr. 
Clinton argued that acquiring new arms is not in the 
interest of North Korea -- which has been grappling 
with a severe famine.

        // CLINTON ACTUALITY //

The people of North Korea need food and opportunities.  
They need engagement with the south and the chance for 
a brighter future.  They do not need new weaponry that 
threatens the security of the region and the world.

        // END ACTUALITY //

White House spokesman Joe Lockhart announced former 
Defense Secretary William Perry has completed a review 
of U-S policy toward North Korea and sent it to Mr. 
Clinton for his assessment.  (signed)

Neb/dat / wd / wd



12-Sep-1999 06:20 AM LOC (12-Sep-1999 1020 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.