'Deep concern' over North Korea's withdrawal from nuclear talks

Friday, 11 February 2005 12:00 AM

The Government has expressed deep concern over the decision of North Korea to suspend its involvement in multi-nation talks on the communist state's nuclear programme.

Since US President George Bush infamously branded North Korea part of the 'axis of evil' considerable international attention has focused on its nuclear programme.

Experts believe that North Korea may well have been able to build a small number of nuclear weapons.

Since 2003 North Korea has been engaged in six party talks, with the US, South Korea, China, Japan and Russia, aimed at finding a solution to the nuclear issue.

But it refused to attend the September 2004 talks - blaming 'hostile' US policies - and yesterday said that it would be suspending participation indefinitely.

In a statement carried on North Korea's state-run news agency, the regime said that second term Bush administration's "intention to antagonize the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] and isolate and stifle it at any cost has become quite clear." Referring to comments made by American officials on regime change and tyranny, North Korea said that it had been "deprived.of any justification to negotiate with the U.S. and participate in the six-party talks."

And, it also makes the most explicit claim yet that the regime has or is developing nuclear capabilities, stating that it has been compelled to "bolster its nuclear weapons arsenal" in self-defence.

Foreign Office Minister Bill Rammell said: "The UK is deeply concerned by the announcement that North Korea has suspended its participation in six party talks. The world is looking for early progress in the discussions. We deplore North Korea's refusal to negotiate on an issue, the resolution of which would bring so much benefit to the people of that country.

"We call on the government of North Korea to review its decision and re-engage in discussions with the international community."

Sir Menzies Campbell, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman, said that it was essential that North Korea remained engaged with the international community.

He said: "This may well be a negotiating ploy but what is essential is to continue to press the case with Pyongyang for dialogue.

"An isolated North Korea is more likely to indulge in brinkmanship than one with which the rest of the world is engaged."

The US administration has urged North Korea to re-engage in talks, but said it remains committed to a "peaceful diplomatic solution" to the situation.

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