N. Korean nuclear efforts confounding U.S.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- The administration of U.S. President George Bush is split regarding how best to deal with North Korea's obstinacy in dismantling its nuclear facilities.

The New York Times said Saturday that State Department officials are among those calling for a more confrontational stance regarding the communist Asian country, while the administration's top nuclear negotiator with North Korea has called for restraint.

The administration's ongoing internal conflict intensified this week when lawyer Jay Lefkowitz, who is Bush's envoy on North Korean human rights, spoke out about North Korea's nuclear program.

"North Korea is not serious about disarming in a timely manner," Lefkowitz said. "We should consider a new approach to North Korea."

The debate stems from an agreement North Korea reached with members of the international community to dismantle its nuclear capabilities.

The Times said North Korea missed a recent deadline for a declaration of its nuclear inventory and the Asian country released a statement this month alleging it had met all requirements regarding such nuclear disclosures.