Decision due this week on Clinton visit to N. Korea

U.S. president Bill Clinton discussed the issue of his proposed visit to North Korea and the upcoming change of government with president-elect George W. Bush at the White House on Tuesday morning.

A diplomatic source in Washington D.C said Clinton wants to meet with Kim Jong-Il, chairman of the North Korean National Defense Commission, and discuss measures aimed at improving North Korea-U.S. relations, including the North Korean missile issue, before he leaves office on Jan. 20. The source added that a decision on whether Clinton would visit North Korea would be made in the near future.

White House spokesperson Jake Sewart said on Monday that Clinton would make up his mind this week as to whether he would go to North Korea.

Sewart said Clinton would make the decision based on whether it would be beneficial to the nation, and would not seek any authorization from Bush.

Han Ki-Heung eligius@donga.com