Hwang Jang-Yop Wishes U.S. Trip Before 20th

Former Secretary of the North Korean Labor Party Hwang Jang-Yop, who was invited from the U.S. Congress, expressed his wish to visit the U.S. before July 20 despite the rejection of the Korean government.

Mr. Hwang faxed his reply to the Defense Forum Foundation yesterday to deliver his wish to participate in the seminar held by the Foundation in the U.S. on July 20.

In the English letter subscribed by Mr. Hwang and his aide Kim Deok-Hong, they wrote that ``we would like to arrive in Washington before July 20 to prepare for the events. A tentative title of the address is `The Truth about North Korea.``

Regarding his security matter, Mr. Hwang expressed his satisfaction with the promise of the U.S. State Department for the adjustment of his secure measures. He also added that Sen. Jessie Helms and the Defense Forum are closely cooperating with the U.S. State Department for his security matter.

Han Ki-Heung eligius@donga.com