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N.Korea says nuclear talks with US are "illogical"

Posted on: Sunday, 8 January 2006, 21:37 CST

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.

Source: REUTERS

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