U.S., DPRK make progress in Geneva talks as differences remain

Both officials from the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Tuesday progress was made on some points after two days of direct talks here in Geneva, while admitting that many differences remain. In a brief statement issued after the talks, U.S. Special Representative for DPRK Policy Stephen Bosworth said "We've had some very positive and generally very constructive talks with the DPRK delegation." Bosworth said the two countries had narrowed their differences on several points and explored differences on other points, but he declined to specify on which points the two sides achieved progress. Meanwhile, he admitted that there were still "many differences not all of which can be overcome quickly." Bosworth said he was confident that "with continued efforts, the two sides would reach a reasonable basis of departure for formal negotiations for return to the six-party process." First Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye Gwan, head of the DPRK delegation, told reporters that progress was made on some issues, while differences over other issues remained and would be further discussed. He said both sides held talks on such core issues as improving bilateral relationship and establishing mutual trust. Both delegations agreed to maintain contact with each other through the DPRK mission to the United Nations.