A top North Korean general,
making a historic visit to Washington, says he foresees a
bright future for US North Korean relations but only if the
United States offers concrete assurances for his country's
security and territorial integrity.
Jo Myong Rok, dispatched in Washington by North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong II, met with secretary of state Madeleine
Albright on Wednesday morning after talks with President Bill Clinton at the White House on Tuesday.
Jo later met with Defence Secretary William Cohen US
officials believe the Pentagon visit was the first time a
North Korean military officer had ever set foot in the
building.
Jo did not spell out what steps the United States must
take, but historically his government has strongly opposed the
37,000-strong American troop presence in South Korea and has
demanded they be withdrawn.
Jo, first vice chairman of the national defence
commission and right-hand man to Kim, delivered a note to
Clinton from Kim outlining proposals for easing tensions on
the peninsula.
Bureau Report
