More U.S., North Korean Nuclear Talks Planned

North Korea’s official news agency reported today that the regime plans further talks on its nuclear program with the United States, according to the Associated Press (see GSN, March 17).

The top negotiators from the two nations conducted “an in-depth discussion on the differences” last week in Geneva, according to the Korean Central News Agency.  They agreed to “sit face-to-face with each other and continue the discussion” on the deadlock over a 2007 agreement under which Pyongyang would give up its nuclear programs in exchange for energy, diplomatic and security benefits.

The deal has been plagued this year by U.S. claims that the Stalinist state has failed to provide a mandatory full accounting of its nuclear programs and North Korean moves to slow disablement of three key facilities due to discontent regarding the pace of rewards. 

The talks in Switzerland were “helpful,” said China, which hosts the six-nation negotiations on North Korea’s nuclear program.

“We hope (North Korea) and the U.S. can continue to have communication and meet each other halfway so as to properly resolve the relevant issues,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang (Associated Press/Washington Post, March 18).

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