N.Korea says nuclear talks with US are “illogical”

SEOUL (Reuters) – North Korea said on Monday it was
illogical for it to return to six-country talks because of U.S.
sanctions against Pyongyang, adding Washington would probably
veto any deal to end the North’s nuclear ambitions anyway.

The United States has clamped down on several companies it
suspects of aiding North Korea in counterfeiting, money
laundering and the drug trade, saying the illicit business has
helped fund Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons programs.

“Under the present situation it is illogical to discuss
with the U.S., the assailant, the issue of dismantling the
nuclear deterrent built up by the DPRK for self-defense,” a
spokesman for the North Korean Foreign Ministry said in answer
to question put by the official KCNA news agency.

DPRK is short for North Korea’s official name, the
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Such statements from its
Foreign Ministry are generally considered one of the most
authoritative forms of communication with the outside world.

“Even if any agreement is reached between the parties
concerned, it is likely to be overturned by a person in high
authority of the U.S.,” the spokesman said.

Talks among the two Koreas, China, Japan, Russia and the
United States have hit a snag because of the U.S. crackdown on
North Korea’s finances. Pyongyang has previously threatened to
boycott the talks until the sanctions are lifted. Washington
says the sanctions and the six-party talks are separate
matters.