The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will not accept the United State's offer of food and energy supply in exchange for the dismantlement of its nuclear program, a spokesman for the DPRK Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
It is against the common sense that the DPRK unilaterally lays down its arms as the DPRK and the United States are now standing in the most acute military confrontation, he said, adding that this is actually denying dialogue and negotiations.
It is the consistent stand of the DPRK to settle the issue on an equal footing through fair negotiations that may clear both sides of their concerns, he said.
"We have already clarified that the DPRK is ready to solve the nuclear issue through negotiations on condition that the US recognizes the DPRK's sovereignty, assures it of non-aggression and does not obstruct its economic development," the spokesman said.
He also urged the US side to change its anti-DPRK policy for settlement of the nuclear issue.
US President George W. Bush said on Tuesday that he would reconsider a plan to give the DPRK energy and food aid if Pyongyang dismantles its nuclear program.
(Xinhua News Agency January 16, 2003)
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