Kim told CNN he believes the current tension between North Korea and the United States can be defused VIDEO A look at the state of North Korea today, from CNN's Mike Chinoy. Windows Media 28K 80K

August 16, 1999
Web posted at: 10:38 p.m. EDT (0238 GMT)

From Hong Kong Bureau Chief Mike Chinoy

PYONGYANG, North Korea (CNN) -- A senior North Korean official suggested Monday that tensions between his country and the United States over prospects of a North Korean missile test could be defused.

In an exclusive interview with CNN, Kim Yong Sun, secretary of the ruling Workers Party and a close associate of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, indicated his nation would like better relations with the United States, South Korea and Japan.

"If things are discussed in a reasonable manner, they will turn out well. I am optimistic about it," Kim said. "If a visitor brings us cake, we will also give cake. But if they bring a sword, we will respond with a sword."

Western intelligence reports suggest North Korea is developing a new, more powerful missile capable of reaching the United States. Washington, fearing an imminent missile test, has warned of serious consequences if a launch is carried out.

Kim insisted North Korea's missile program is purely defensive.

"If we do have a missile, why should (the United States) necessarily think that it poses a threat to their national security? Treating our missile as a potential threat ... seems to be an indication that they want to continue with the current course of antagonism with us," Kim told CNN.

The United States has been trying to persuade North Korea to abandon its missile program in exchange for better relations with Washington. Kim seemed to indicate North Korea is ready for such a relationship.

Kim claims his country's missile program is purely defensive; North Korea's neighbor, South Korea, has a powerful army backed by U.S. troops

"Presently, we are still in a state of armistice agreement," he said, referring to the 1953 accord ending the Korean war. "But as of now, there's absolutely no obstacle in converting it into a peace agreement."

North Korea, a diplomatically isolated Communist nation, feels itself under siege. Its economy remains in deep trouble, observers say, and it must depend on international food aid to stave off famine. And it is bordered by a powerful South Korean army, backed by 37,000 U.S. troops,

For North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, preserving his nation's unique system in such a hostile world is the overriding objective.

North Koreans have signaled before that they will not respond favorably from demands from other countries, unless they are treated as equals.

"You have to talk about how to further develop our relationship," said Kim Yong Sun.