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Kim urges US to open dialogue with North Korea
Seoul, Feb 24: Outgoing President Kim Dae-Jung today said he is confidant that North Korea would give up its nuclear ambitions if the united states opened dialogue with the communist state.
Seoul, Feb 24: Outgoing President Kim Dae-Jung today
said he is confidant that North Korea would give up its
nuclear ambitions if the united states opened dialogue with
the communist state.
Kim's view on the north's nuclear weapons development
offered in a farewell speech before stepping down as President
differs with Washington's stance that the dispute should be
resolved through a multilateral approach.
``We must resolutely oppose North Korea's nuclear
development," Kim said in the nationally televised speech.
``The nuclear development should be abandoned but it should be
resolved peace fully through dialogue.''
Kim, whose five-year term ends at midnight today added that ``the key to a resolution is a dialogue between North Korea and the United States.''
While supporting a peaceful settlement of the dispute, US. President George W Bush has said ``All options are on the table.'' Pyongyang has been demanding direct talks, but US officials say they will not open negotiations on expanding ties or aid until North Korea verifiably gives up its nuclear development.
Kim said North Korea would work with the outside world when it is treated decently, and credited his ``sunshine'' policy of engagement with the north for lowering tensions on the Korean peninsula.
``I am confidant that when we continue efforts to promote a peaceful coexistence and peaceful exchanges with North Korea, the north will open up more widely,'' he said.
Bureau Report
Kim, whose five-year term ends at midnight today added that ``the key to a resolution is a dialogue between North Korea and the United States.''
While supporting a peaceful settlement of the dispute, US. President George W Bush has said ``All options are on the table.'' Pyongyang has been demanding direct talks, but US officials say they will not open negotiations on expanding ties or aid until North Korea verifiably gives up its nuclear development.
Kim said North Korea would work with the outside world when it is treated decently, and credited his ``sunshine'' policy of engagement with the north for lowering tensions on the Korean peninsula.
``I am confidant that when we continue efforts to promote a peaceful coexistence and peaceful exchanges with North Korea, the north will open up more widely,'' he said.
Bureau Report