WASHINGTON, April 23 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell said Friday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has shown some flexibility in resolving the nuclear dispute.
Asked to comment on reports from China that Kim has softened his stance on the nuclear issue, Powell said he also heard the same thing from the Chinese.
"I heard the same thing from the Chinese side, both from Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, and other information we received suggested that Kim Jong-il said he was interested in continuing the six-party talks," he told South Korea's Munhwa Broadcasting Company.
"So we look forward to continuing the six-party talks, both in terms of holding working group meetings as well as plenary sessions at a higher level when the time comes," Powell said.
Powell, however, refused to say if he took the remarks seriously or as meaningful.
"We accept the remarks as stated. We'll see how, how serious or accurate they are when we actually have a chance to discuss this issue with all six parties and see when we can set up another meeting. But I would say that his statement was encouraging."
