http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAGFSFJ4OD.htmlHopes Fade for Quick Breakthrough in North Korean Nuclear Crisis
By Hans Greimel Associated Press Writer
PANMUNJOM, Korea (AP) - Hopes faded Friday for a quick breakthrough in the North Korean nuclear crisis, with European diplomats saying the North shows no sign of compromise, and South Korea indicating new six-nation talks won't happen until next year.
The developments came amid a flurry of attempts to breathe life into a new round of negotiations aimed at persuading North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons programs.
European diplomats, who held three days of talks in Pyongyang, reported that the communist government was not easing up on its earlier preconditions for the talks.
"They cannot possibly dismantle their program until they have all the assurances they need for their security. They see the nuclear weapons option as indispensable for their national security," said Percy Westerlund, director of external relations for the European Commission. <snip>