TOKYO -- The United States and South Korea have failed to agree on
talks to curb Seoul's missile development programs.
After three days of talks, both countries remain deadlocked over a U.S.
demand for unlimited access to Seoul's missile facilities. The talks ended
on Saturday and no new negotiations were scheduled.
"The discussions on the missile issue were productive and concrete,''
the U.S. Embassy in Seoul said in a statement. "Some differences remain,
however, which the U.S. hopes will be resolved as soon as possible."
The U.S. delegation was headed by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State
Robert Einhorn. His South Korean counterpart is Song Min-sun, director
general of the North American bureau at Seoul's Foreign Ministry.
Officials said the U.S. demand for unlimited access to South Korea's
missile facilities constitute a major hurdle in the negotiations. Seoul has
rejected the demand as an infringement on its sovereignty.
Under a 1979 agreement with Washington, South Korea is prohibited from
developing a missile with a range of more than 180 kilometers [112 miles].
Seoul wants to construct missiles with a range of 500 kilometers [312
miles]. Washington has agreed to allow Seoul to develop a missile with a
range of up to 300 kilometers [187 miles], which would conform with the
limits set by the Missile Technology Control Regime.
News reports said South Korea is secretly developing a longer range
missile.
On Wednesday, North Korea and the European Union will hold the second
round of so-called political talks in Brussels. The talks will focus on
Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development programs, food assistance and
human rights.
The EU has allocated $36 million in food and medical aid for North
Korea.
