N. Korea-U.S. missile talks to be held in Malaysia Nov. 1~3

The North Korea-U.S. missile talks will be held November 1~3 at the U.S. embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Discussions will be held on issues related to the scope of missile development suspension, U.S. support for North Korean satellite launches, the halt of Pyongyang¡¯s missile exports and compensation to be granted in this regard. The results of this meeting will be the deciding factor in whether President Clinton will visit North Korea.

Experts revealed that considering the positive attitude shown by Kim Jong-Il during talks with U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on the missile issue, results of some kind will be achieved. However, whether the results of the talks will lead to a visit to North Korea by President Clinton is uncertain.

Foreign affairs officials in Seoul believe that the long-distance missile problem will be resolved by the U.S. providing North Korea with satellite launches, but an agreement on compensation will be difficult to reach.

At the talks, Robert Einhorn, the DOD's non-proliferation assistant secretary, will lead the U.S. delegation.

Boo Hyung-Kwon bookum90@donga.com