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THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES (CAAB) |
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THE CAMPAIGN FOR THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF AMERICAN BASES (CAAB) |
China told the US government through its embassy in Beijing in recent days that Pyongyang was ready to join the talks early next year, after a deadlock scotched hopes for a resumption of dialogue in December, officials said.
But there was little optimism here following weeks of diplomatic jockeying for position with Pyongyang ahead of an eventual meeting.
"We would like to get talks started as soon as possible without preconditions," said State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli.
"It's a complex diplomatic effort that requires patience and does not lend itself to, sort of, flights of exuberance," he said, explaining the measured US response to China's reports of North Korea's willingness to talk.
US officials showed signs of puzzlement at the announcement, and were unwilling to say that they thought would mean a prompt return to the negotiating table.
"Frankly I don't know what it means," said one senior official on condition of anonymity, referring to previous North Korean offers to return to the table that were followed by new demands.
The White House, which has taken a stern line with Stalinist North Korea reiterated the US line that Washington was ready for talks any time, anywhere.
"The US stands ready to resume the six-party talks at an early date and without preconditions, and we are working with others to do so," said White House spokesman Trent Duffy.
"Our goal in talks is the complete, verifiable and irreversible elimination of North Korea's nuclear programs," he told reporters in Texas, where President George W. Bush is spending the New Year holiday at his ranch.
Fu Ying, head of the Chinese foreign ministry's Asian affairs department earlier told journalists that North Korea was ready to join China, the United States, Russia, Japan and South Korea at the talks "at the earliest possible date early next year."
China is believed to be pushing for talks sometime next month, hopefully before the Lunar New Year festivities, which begin on January 22.
The first round of six-way talks ended inconclusively in Beijing in August, with North Korea later dismissing the negotiations as "useless".
The second round had been expected in Beijing this month but was pushed into next year due to differences over the steps needed towards a settlement.
Washington has demanded that Pyongyang unilaterally scrap its nuclear program, while North Korea has insisted on a legally binding security guarantee from the United States in return for a nuclear climb-down.