NK begins talks with Germany on normalizing ties

North Korea and Germany will kick off negotiations in Berlin Monday on the possibility of setting up diplomatic relations, the German Foreign Ministry said Friday. Among Germany`s requests in the talks will be that North Korea guarantee the free movement of German diplomats, journalists and aid organization officials in the reclusive country, according to ministry sources. If it comes to terms with North Korea on the normalizing ties, Germany is considering appointing a resident ambassador in Pyongyang. North Korea will appoint Park Hyon-Bo, 62, head of its representative office in Berlin, as its ambassador to Germany, sources said. Assuming the talks are successful, Germany would become the ninth country among the 15 European Union member nations to set up relations with North Korea. The German government decided in a cabinet session on Feb. 24 to establish diplomatic ties with North Korea.