N Korea willing to give up nukes, arms sale

Pyongyang expected written security guarantees and compensation for economic losses incurred by closing two nuclear power plants, the two diplomats told the daily in Geneva during an interview.

Identified as Kim Yong-ho and Kim Song-sol, the envoys said the United States would also have to pledge not to hinder North Korea's economic development, especially its dealings with Japan and South Korea.

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They said there was no confirmation on a date for the next six-way talks involving both Koreas, Japan, Russia, China and the United States, but stressed that their government had "agreed in principle to the next round of talks."

Since the nuclear crisis erupted a year ago, North Korea has demanded a non-aggression pact with Washington. US President George W. Bush has refused, but last month proposed a written guarantee instead of a formal treaty.

North Korea, the diplomats said, was willing to accept written security guarantees signed by the United States and the other four parties at the talks, provided "Mr. Bush's proposal ... is based on the principle of simultaneous action" to overcome the lack of mutual trust between the two countries.

Pressed on the meaning of simultaneous action, Kim Yong-ho said "first guarantee the security, and second do not hinder the economic development of my country."