US diplomat says US open to North Korea diplomacy

SEOUL, South Korea — In a message aimed at both Koreas, a senior U.S. diplomat said Wednesday that Washington is open to settling the North Korean nuclear standoff through diplomacy, but only if Pyongyang improves ties with archrival South Korea.

The comments by Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, were a signal to North Korea's new government that Washington is ready to talk after weeks of transition and uncertainty following the Dec. 17 death of longtime leader Kim Jong Il.

But Campbell also looked to reassure worried allies in Seoul that diplomacy will progress only as long as South Korea is satisfied with North Korea's stance. North Korea has vowed since Kim's death not to deal with South Korea's current conservative government, but it has also suggested a willingness to negotiate with the United States.

"We are open to diplomacy with North Korea, but there is a very clear set of steps that we think are necessary," Campbell told reporters after meetings with South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Jae-shin and South Korean nuclear envoy Lim Sung-nam.

"We agreed that the path is open to North Korea toward the resumption of talks and improved relations" with Washington and Seoul, Campbell said, but "the road to improve these relations runs through Seoul for North Korea."

"We are still waiting to see whether the new government in North Korea is prepared to take the necessary steps," Campbell said.

Many are closely watching to see what direction North Korea will take as Kim's young son, Kim Jong Un, works to consolidate power and extend his family dynasty into a third generation.

North Korea proudly trumpets its efforts to build nuclear weapons and has a history of aggression against its southern neighbor, and there has been uncertainty about whether Pyongyang will now lean toward provocation or reconciliation — and how tightly Pyongyang will cling to its nuclear program.

Pyongyang conducted nuclear tests in 2006 and 2009 and has developed missiles with the potential to attack its neighbors and possibly reach the United States.

South Korean Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik said Tuesday that Seoul is ready for cooperation "if North Korea shows sincerity."