(LEAD) U.S. does not want talks with N.K. aimed at buying time: acting ambassador

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By Koh Byung-joon and Joint Press Corps

SEOUL, Feb. 28 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. does not want to have talks with North Korea if it seeks to use them as a means to buy time for further development of its nuclear and missile programs, its acting ambassador in South Korea said Wednesday.

Marc Knapper, charge d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, said in a meeting with reporters that the North should show its willingness to use any opportunity for dialogue to make progress in its denuclearization.

He made the remarks at a time when the North recently said that it is willing to talk with the U.S., raising speculation about if and when Washington and Pyongyang will gather to discuss the North Korean nuclear problem.

The U.S. Department of State earlier said that it will hold talks with North Korea only when the regime is ready to discuss its denuclearization.

Knapper also said that the top U.S. nuclear envoy's planned retirement does not signify any change in its North Korea policy going forward.

Joseph Yun, U.S. special representative for North Korea policy, is retiring at the end of this week due to what the State Department said were personal reasons.

Yun is known for leaning toward dialogue with North Korea to resolve the current nuclear stalemate. His departure is sparking speculation that the U.S. might be adjusting its North Korea policy.

Knapper said that he knows there are such concerns being raised in South Korea and other countries but noted that it is far from the truth. He added that the U.S.' North Korea policy will remain unchanged and its cooperation with South Korea will also stay firm.

kokobj@yna.co.kr
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