Envoy: N.Korea pledged non-proliferation

A French presidential envoy says that North Korean officials have pledged not to transfer nuclear materials or missiles abroad.

Jack Lang was speaking to reporters in Paris on Thursday, following a recent visit to North Korea.

He said North Korean officials declared during a session with his delegation that their country will not transfer nuclear materials or missile technology abroad.

Lang was in Pyongyang to explore the possibility of France establishing diplomatic relations with North Korea. During his 5-day stay, he met with North Korea's No. 2 leader, Kim Yong Nam, and other senior government officials.

The North announced in early 2003 that it was withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

The North Korean officials' pledge to cooperate in nonproliferation is seen as attempt to improve the environment for establishing diplomatic relations with France amid its increasing isolation from the international community.

Lang did not say whether France will actually establish diplomatic ties with North Korea, but he said it would carefully consider the matter while coordinating with relevant countries, including Japan.

2009/11/20 10:53(JST)
(JST: UTC+9hrs.)