US considering new approach to N Korea

WASHINGTON: The United States is considering a new approach to North Korea that would include beginning negotiations on a peace treaty at the same time as six-country talks on dismantling Pyongyang's nuclear programs, the New York Times reported on Wednesday.   

US President George W Bush is very likely to approve the new approach, which had been hotly debated by different factions within his administration, the Times said on its web site.

But the change would only happen if North Korea returned to the talks, which have been stalled for months by its refusal to participate.

Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, chief US  negotiator with North Korea, was in Singapore on Wednesday, US officials told Reuters.

South Korean media reported that he would soon visit their country but that could not be immediately confirmed. The new thinking about North Korea would coincide with efforts by the United States and other major powers, so far fruitless, to persuade Iran to drop its planned nuclear program.

Many officials and experts are concerned that Iran draws   inspiration from North Korea, which has suffered few      international penalties since declaring that it possesses nuclear weapons and will continue to make nuclear fuel.

lthough the United States in recent months launched a crackdown on Pyongyang's income from illicit activities like counterfeiting, China and South Korea have continued and in some instances increased aid and investment to the impoverished North, US officials say.