DATE=05/03/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=U-S/NORKOR MORATORIUM (S-only)

NUMBER=2-275643

BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Bush Administration is waiting to hear more about a visit to North Korea by a European Union delegation - in particular details about Pyongyang's reported intention to extend its moratorium on missile tests. Correspondent Nick Simeone reports.

TEXT: If what they are hearing about North Korea's apparent willingness to keep this moratorium in place is true, U-S officials say they would welcome it as good news.

A European Union delegation headed by Swedish Prime Minister Goran Persson says it was told by North Korean leader Kim Jong Il his reclusive government would not conduct any ballistic missile tests for the next two years while waiting to see if the Bush administration is interested in better relations.

A State Department official says Washington has heard nothing directly from Pyongyang about extending the moratorium and will wait for an E-U delegation to brief U-S officials next week. Two years ago, the Clinton Administration relaxed some sanctions against North Korea in exchange for the suspension of missile tests. But just days after President Bush took office, his administration decided to put U-S policy toward the Koreas under review. (SIGNED)

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