Public reaction stalls Clinton visit to N. Korea

U.S. President Bill Clinton has been thinking long and hard, and yet remains undecided whether to visit North Korea before he leaves office on Jan. 20. He has pushed for a solution to the standoff over the missile problem between Washington and Pyongyang that would include a visit to North Korea and talks with its Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong-Il, but the public's negative view of this idea has left him marking time.

When president-elect George W. Bush called on Clinton at the White House on Dec. 19 and took up the subject, the North Korean trip appeared imminent. The delayed announcement of the final decision shows that the issue still hangs in the balance. A diplomatic source in Washington said Thursday that the visit would become more difficult as time passes, adding that the considerable amount of time needed for preparations makes it almost impossible for now.

In an interview with the Associated Press, Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said Clinton was continuing to weigh the idea of traveling to Pyongyang, pointing to the probability that Pyongyang would hold back from additional production, test-firing and export of missiles in return for U.S. help with satellite launches for civilian purposes.

North Korea is still noncommittal as to this deal. The president is unlikely to press ahead with his proposed trip to North Korea, pending the settlement of the missile question and in light of opposition from the public and the incoming Republican administration.

Han Ki-Heung eligius@donga.com