N. Korea about to declare nuclear programs next week

Posted on : 2007-11-30 11:37 KST Modified on : 2007-11-30 11:37 KST
Verifiable solution to nuclear issue likely by year’s end, UN nuclear envoy says

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, Washington’s chief negotiator in the six-party talks on North Korea’s nuclear program, said that North Korea would soon disclose a list of all its nuclear activities next week.

Hill, on a visit to South Korea before heading to North Korea next week, also said that China is well prepared to host the next round of six-party negotiations, scheduled to begin on December 8.

After arriving at Gimpo airport, Hill told reporters, “A declaration of nuclear programs is a core process as well as an important milestone.” When North Korea “submits the list of declared materials to China, all six nations in the nuclear negotiations will discuss it,” Hill said.


Regarding the agenda for talks with North Korean Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan during his visit to the North between December 3 and 5, Hill said the two sides would discuss things both sides have to do by the end of this year, including the matter of declaration.

In a speech at a meeting organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea on Nov. 29, Hill commented about a key issue in the declaration; the North’s alleged uranium enrichment program.

“We have been holding important and substantial discussions with North Korea regarding uranium enrichment, which are still continuing,” Hill said. “They have, I think, begun to put together their list. I think it's pretty close to being ready," he added. “Based on the direction of these talks, I’m fairly confident that we will have a verifiable solution by the end of the year,” Hill said.



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