2nd Agreed Framework May Be Needed in Future

Stephen Costello, a director at the Atlantic Council, a U.S. think tank, said Monday a second Agreed Framework between North Korea and the United States may be reached depending on Pyongyang's behavior.

In 1994 Pyong-yang and Washington reached an agreement in which North Korea would freeze its nuclear program in return for two light water nuclear reactors.

The following are excerpts from an exclusive interview Mr. Costello gave the JoongAng Ilbo.

JAI: When will a North Korea-U.S. dialogue take place?

COSTELLO: Perhaps within three or four weeks in New York just like U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell mentioned, but no one really knows. Bear in mind that tension continues between the hard-liners and the moderates in the administration, and much depends on North Korea's future behavior.

The missile moratorium was a good move, and North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's visit to Seoul will be a good chance for him to win friends in both Seoul and Washington.

JAI: Why did U.S. President Bush mention the issue of conventional weapons in his announcement of reopening talks with the North?

COSTELLO: It may be the administration trying to distinguish itself from the Clinton administration, which made its mark with the nuclear program. Or it could be a political strategy to bring the North to the negotiating table.

JAI: Will President Bush go ahead with the Missile Defense program despite concerns from U.S. allies in Asia?

COSTELLO: President Bush is firm in that direction. He will push forward no matter what.

by Choi Won-ki