To: TigerPaw who wrote (398353 ) 4/24/2003 3:26:32 PM From: Lazarus_Long Read Replies (1) | Respond to Before the start of the second day's meeting in Beijing, North Korea accused the United States of leading the region toward war, an apparent attempt by the communist nation to increase pressure on negotiators, according to the U.S. officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Its leaders are outraged over U.S. moves to cut off oil shipments because of its suspected nuclear weapons program "The situation on the Korean Peninsula is so tense that a war may break out any moment due to the U.S. moves," the North's KCNA news agency. "If the U.S. imperialists and their followers intrude into even an inch of the inviolable sky, land and sea of the (North) ... the (army) will deal merciless deadly blows at the aggressors," North Korean Defense Minister Kim Il Chol was quoted as saying by KCNA. In a likely reference to North Korea's demand for a nonaggression treaty with Washington, KCNA said: "The U.S. should settle the talks from a sincere stand and strive to settle the essential issue." Washington has refused to offer a formal treaty but says it would consider some sort of written assurance. The United States hopes eventually to include Japan and South Korea in the talks. The North likely wants aid for its economy, which has been crippled by the loss of Soviet subsidies and years of drought and mismanagement. Washington says the North revealed during a visit by Kelly to Pyongyang in October that it was trying to develop nuclear weapons in violation of a 1994 pledge. The North has disputed the U.S. claim. washingtonpost.com WASHINGTON (CNN) -- North Korea has admitted having nuclear weapons, sources close to the U.S. talks with North Korea and China told CNN on Thursday. cnn.com
