North Korea 'may drop test if U.S. holds talks'

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/asiapcf/10/08/nkorea.tests.ap/

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) -- North Korea informed China it may drop its plan to test its first atomic bomb if the United States holds bilateral talks with the communist country, a former South Korean lawmaker said Sunday.

The North also denied speculation that its nuclear test was imminent and said the regime has not raised the alert level of the country's military, said Jang Sung-min, citing a telephone conversation with an unidentified Chinese diplomatic official.

North Korea warned the Chinese official, however, that it would accelerate its preparations for a nuclear test if the United States moves toward imposing sanctions or launching a military attack, Jang said, citing his contact.

The Chinese official was informed of North Korea's stance by North Korean officials Sunday afternoon, Jang said.

The official then telephoned Jang in South Korea with the news.

[sweettater]

1. hmmmmmmm

looks like they have us by the short hairs, so to speak. Our international influence has evaporated thanks to the * regime. :nuke:

[mn9driver]

2. Which is why * will refuse to talk.

A North Korean nuke test is without question a huge boost for the GOP. They have nothing left to run on except fear, and a mushroom cloud will make a great campaign ad. Regional and world stability and safety mean nothing to these people. Only power matters.

[NNN0LHI]

3. kick

[Deja Q]

4. My two cents

I'd say "go through with the talks. Sincerely. The instant N Korea proves itself to be a spineless cheat, show we will do what is necessary, including sanctions or whatever else deemed appropriate."

[NNN0LHI]

5. The saying "keep your friends close and your enemies closer" applies here

Thats what I think anyway.

Don

[Tesha]

6. I guess it was a limited-time offer. And Shrub don't work on Sundays. (NT)