WORLD> Asia-Pacific
DPRK ready to give up nukes for US ties
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-01-22 07:46

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is willing to give up its nuclear weapons if US President Barack Obama agrees to conditions imposed by the country, including establishing formal diplomatic relations between the two countries, a pro-Pyongyang newspaper said.

The Japan-based Choson Sinbo paper - considered a mouthpiece of Pyongyang - said in a story posted on its website hours before Obama's inauguration on Tuesday that the DPRK was waiting to see what position the new president would take on the nuclear standoff.

"It is too early to predict whether the Obama administration will endorse the North's (DPRK's) nuclear possession or try to realize denuclearization through normalization of relations," the paper said. "But what is sure is that the North (DPRK) side is ready to deal with any choice by the enemy nation."

The paper is closely linked to Pyongyang and its articles are considered a reflection of the DPRK's positions.

The US, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Japan, Russia and China have been trying for years to coax the DPRK into giving up its atomic ambitions. Pyongyang agreed in 2007 to dismantle its nuclear program in exchange for aid, but the process has been stalled since August.

Last week, the DPRK's Foreign Ministry said it would give up its nuclear weapons only if Washington establishes diplomatic relations with the regime and the US ceases to pose a nuclear threat to the DPRK - an apparent reference to Pyongyang's long-standing claim that American nuclear weapons are hidden in the ROK. Both Seoul and Washington deny the accusation.

In its statement, apparently aimed at the incoming US leader, the ministry also rejected US demands to verify its list of nuclear programs.

The DPRK wants verification to take place later in the disarmament process than the US has requested.

The pro-Pyongyang paper said on Tuesday that the DPRK put forward conditions for its nuclear abandonment "ahead of the launch of the Obama administration" and it was now up to Washington to act. It appeared to be referring to last week's statement.