posted 03-09-2004 12:46 PM            

NKorea threatens new demands in deepening nuclear crisis
North Korea threatened new counter-demands Monday in the standoff with the United States over Pyongyang's nuclear program, saying it may insist on the withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea and a "verifiable and irreversible" security guarantee from Washington. North Korea said it would forward the new demands if the United States failed to drop its own demand that Pyongyang "completely, verifiably and irreversibly" dismantle its nuclear weapons programs. North Korea has said it is willing to give up its nuclear program in return for energy and economic aid, as well as a U.S. guarantee that it will not invade the communist country. Six-nation talks aimed at brokering a deal ended last month without a major breakthrough.

North Korea threatened new counter-demands Monday in the standoff with the United States over Pyongyang's nuclear program, saying it may insist on the withdrawal of U.S. troops from South Korea and a "verifiable and irreversible" security guarantee from Washington. North Korea said it would forward the new demands if the United States failed to drop its own demand that Pyongyang "completely, verifiably and irreversibly" dismantle its nuclear weapons programs. North Korea has said it is willing to give up its nuclear program in return for energy and economic aid, as well as a U.S. guarantee that it will not invade the communist country. Six-nation talks aimed at brokering a deal ended last month without a major breakthrough.