DATE=9/17/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S / KOREA / SANCTIONS (S-UPDATE)
NUMBER=2-254018
BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:

  /// UPDATES CR 2-254010 WITH ACTUALITY, NEW INFO ///

INTRO:  President Clinton is easing commercial and 
trade sanctions against North Korea, which has pledged 
to forgo testing of long-range ballistic missiles.  
V-O-A's David Gollust reports from the White House.

TEXT:  The decision, capping months of delicate 
discussions with Pyongyang, will allow trade in 
consumer goods, the transfer of commercial and 
personal funds and air and sea transportation of 
passengers and cargo between the two countries.

A White House statement said on the basis of the 
talks, it is the U-S "understanding" that North Korea 
will refrain from testing long-range missiles of any 
kind.  Briefing reporters, White House spokesman Joe 
Lockhart made clear that if North Korea's threatened 
test of an intercontinental missile goes forward, the 
deal is off: 

            /// LOCKHART ACT ///

      This is a very conditional lifting of sanctions.  
      I think we've made it very clear that if they 
      resume testing, the sanctions will be put back 
      on.

            /// END ACT ///

Other sanctions still in effect against North Korea (-
- imposed in an attempt to control terrorist activity 
and weapons proliferation --) will forbid most U-S 
aid.  Mr. Clinton's relaxation of commercial and trade 
sanctions is drawing Republican criticism in Congress, 
but Mr. Lockhart says U-S regional allies South Korea 
and Japan are supportive.   (Signed)

NEB/DAG/ENE/WTW



17-Sep-1999 13:26 PM EDT (17-Sep-1999 1726 UTC)
NNNN

Source: Voice of America
.