Powell hints at keeping engagement policy toward NK

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said that after a review of its policy options, Washington was likely maintain its engagement policy toward Pyongyang.

In a speech at the National Newspaper Association`s annual government affairs conference, the secretary of state said North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il had showed a certain level of openness over the last year. ``We`re going to examine what he`s doing,`` Powell said.

He said that Washington would continue to review its North Korea policies in consultation with Seoul and Tokyo, but stressed that the U.S. was likely to remain engaged.

He added, however, that the U.S. would not make haste, saying Washington needed not only to apprehend but also to understand North Korea`s attributes and policies in order to implement a North Korea policy marked by ``plain justice.``

Han Ki-Heung eligius@donga.com