DATE=11/20/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S - NORTH KOREA TALKS (S-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-256385
BYLINE=JONATHAN BRAUDE
DATELINE=BERLIN
CONTENT=

VOICED AT:


Intro:  After three days of talks aimed at improving 
bilateral relations, North Korean and American 
negotiators have sounded a positive note. Jonathan 
Braude reports.

Text: Both the US and North Korean delegations emerged 
from the latest round of bilateral talks describing 
their negotiations as "serious and 
constructive".

The leader of the North Korean delegation, Vice 
Foreign Minister Kim Gye Gwan, said nuclear issues 
were discussed, among a range of other topics.

The US team, led by Washington's special envoy Charles 
Kartman, reportedly called on Pyongyang to accept a 
ban on long-range missile tests.

At the previous round of talks in September, the North 
Koreans agreed to suspend testing, after last year's 
firing of what Pyongyang at first claimed was a failed 
satellite launch. The US said it would ease sanctions 
against North Korea in return.

After this week's meeting, both teams said 
preparations would continue for a high level meeting 
soon, although they gave no further details. Meanwhile 
a US business group is reportedly hoping Pyongyang may 
approve a visit to bankrupt North Korea by US 
businessmen to explore economic opportunities. 
(Signed)


NEB/JB/PLM

NEB/WTW/ 



20-Nov-1999 05:15 AM EDT (20-Nov-1999 1015 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.