North Korea/US - nuclear stand-off

Pyongyang pushes US for bilateral nuclear talks

Article published on the 2009-11-02 Latest update 2009-11-02 08:52 TU

North Korea's delegation arrives for the opening of the 3rd Asian Indoor Games in Hanoi, 30 October
(Photo: Reuters)

North Korea on Monday pressed the United States to hold direct talks on ending their nuclear stand-off, and vowed to "go its own way" if Washington refuses.

Repeating an earlier offer, the hardline communist state said successful bilateral talks could lead to a resumption of stalled six-nation nuclear disarmament negotiations.

The foreign ministry's comments came as the North's deputy nuclear negotiator, Ri Gun, wrapped up a US visit during which he held rare talks with Sung Kim, special US envoy to the six-party forum.

The North did not elaborate on its threat to "go its own way". But it had vowed to restart its plutonium-producing plants after quitting the six-party forum in April. In May it staged a second atomic weapons test.

"North Korea is now telling the US that it will further bolster its nuclear deterrent unless Washington comes out early for bilateral talks," said Professor Koh Yu-Hwan, of South Korea's Dongguk University.

After months of bellicose moves including a series of missile tests, the North has lately been making peace overtures and has invited the US special envoy on North Korea, Stephen Bosworth, to visit Pyongyang.

In early October, leader Kim Jong-Il told Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao his country was ready to return to six-party negotiations, but only after it has talked directly to the United States to improve "hostile relations".

The North has long sought direct talks with the United States, and is unenthusiastic about the multilateral framework which also involves South Korea, China, Russia and Japan.

Washington says it is open to bilateral talks but these would be limited to bringing Pyongyang back to the six-party framework. It says it has made no decision on any visit by Bosworth.