ROK-U.S. Foreign Minister Discussed Timetable

Han Seung-Soo welcomed the statement of U.S. President Bush on the North Korean policy at the meeting with Secretary of State Colin Powell on Thursday.

Powell explained the outcome of the wide review of the U.S.`s North Korean policies, including the timetable, dialogue level, and the agenda of the North-U.S. dialogues. Minister Han welcomed that the U.S. President commended the National Security Team to start `serious discussions` on a `broad agenda` with the North.

Mr. Powell also clarified that the statement of President Bush embraced the South Korean position, which had been delivered to the U.S. by the ROK-U.S. summit on March, twice meetings of the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group, and the deputy Secretary of State Armitage`s visit to Seoul.

Responding to the Powell`s explanation, Minister Han reiterated that the inter-Korean relationship and the North-U.S. relationship complement each other. He also expressed his hope for the quick resumption of the North-U.S. talk and a meaningful progress of the dialogue.

Meanwhile, Minister Han met with Bush`s National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs James Kelly and shared their opinions on the statement of President Bush.

Boo Hyung-Kwon bookum90@donga.com