DATE=9/13/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S NORTH KOREA MISSILE (S)
NUMBER=2-253824
BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:


INTRO:  The United States says it believes it has an 
agreement with North Korea in which Pyongyang will 
freeze tests of its long-range missiles as long as 
both countries remain in negotiations aimed at 
improving relations.  There had been fears North Korea 
was preparing to test fire a new long-range rocket 
capable reaching as far as Alaska and Hawaii.  
Correspondent Nick Simeone reports the apparent 
breakthrough means Secretary of State Madeleine 
Albright is expected to recommend to President Clinton 
that some sanctions against the Pyongyang government 
be lifted.

TEXT:  The Clinton administration is calling this 
agreement a substantial step toward reducing North 
Korea's threat to the region.  Based on an 
understanding worked out in talks between American and 
North Korean diplomats in Berlin, the United States 
expects Pyongyang not to carry out another long range 
missile test.  

State department spokesman James Rubin.

            // RUBIN ACT //

      It is our understanding that the North Koreans 
      will refrain from testing any long range 
      missiles for the duration of our negotiations in 
      order to improve our relations.  Obviously, 
      prime among any objective in our negotiations to 
      improve relations would be to formalize the 
      intentions of North Korea with respect to the 
      testing of missiles.

            // END ACT //

After North Korea surprised the world by testing a 
long-range missile last year, Washington and its 
allies in the region have repeatedly warned another 
test would have severe diplomatic and economic 
consequences.   (SIGNED) 

NEB/NJS/TVM/RAE



13-Sep-1999 15:37 PM LOC (13-Sep-1999 1937 UTC)
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Source: Voice of America
.