Signs reported North may seek U.S. talks

Charles Kartman, the executive director of the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, said Wednesday he perceived hints that North Korea would be willing to enter into high-level talks with the United States.

"North Korea's vice foreign minister, Kim Gye-kwan, and the U.S. special envoy, John Prichard, are likely to handle the new talks if the dialogue does take place," Mr. Kartman said.

Mr. Kartman, the executive director of the organization, said Pyeongyang is still bewildered about being classified as a nation that supports terrorism, even after joining two pacts to fight terrorism. "It seems North Korea still has a tough time understanding the seriousness of the recent terror attacks," he said.

Mr. Kartman also cautioned that the North's recent acceptance of an International Atomic Energy Agency inspection of the Yongbyon nuclear plant should not be viewed as a breakthrough, but as a sign of hope.

He met Wednesday with Hong Soon-young, the minister of unification, to discuss inter-Korean issues, including KEDO's construction of a light water nuclear reactor in the North.

Mr. Kartman will attend the energy development organization's executive meeting Dec. 6-7 in Seoul.

by Choi Won-ki