- News>
- World
US seeks talks with North Korea without conditions
In a major reversal of policy by President George Bush, the US has sought talks with North Korea without conditions and is waiting for Pyongyang`s response.
In a major reversal of policy by President George Bush, the US has sought talks with North Korea without conditions and is waiting for Pyongyang's response.
The US wants an open dialogue with North Korea, which the US has labelled a state sponsor of terrorism. The early contact would be at lower levels in New York, secretary of state Colin Powell said on Thursday after meeting South Korean foreign minister Han Seung-Soo at the State Department.
The United States' dialogue with North Korea will certainly help South Korea's effort for reconciliation and cooperation with North Korea, Powell said adding humanitarian issues will be on the agenda.
Bush had announced Wednesday his intention to open talks with North Korea on a range of issues. There have been no substantive talks with North Korea since the Clinton administration, which attempted to negotiate a missile control agreement but fell short.
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the next step is up to North Korea. It will be interesting to see how North Korea reacts. Bureau Report
The United States' dialogue with North Korea will certainly help South Korea's effort for reconciliation and cooperation with North Korea, Powell said adding humanitarian issues will be on the agenda.
Bush had announced Wednesday his intention to open talks with North Korea on a range of issues. There have been no substantive talks with North Korea since the Clinton administration, which attempted to negotiate a missile control agreement but fell short.
White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said the next step is up to North Korea. It will be interesting to see how North Korea reacts. Bureau Report