Clinton Passes on N. Korea Trip, Citing Lack of Progress in Talks

WASHINGTON —  President Clinton on Thursday ended speculation that he might visit North Korea before the end of his term, saying “there is not enough time” to conclude an agreement with Pyongyang on curbing its development and export of ballistic missiles.

In a written statement, Clinton said he continues to believe that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is committed to reaching such an accord and that the United States has a “clear national interest in seeing it through.”

“I believe the next administration will be able to consummate this agreement,” Clinton subsequently told reporters.

Kim had invited the president to Pyongyang, the North Korean capital, in October, and Clinton had been tempted to make the trip, which would have been the first by an American president to the secretive Communist country. But the prospect of such a grand gesture at the end of his term prompted sharp criticism from Republicans, including advisors to President-elect George W. Bush, who remain deeply suspicious of North Korean intentions.

In the end, Clinton decided that negotiations on the details of a missile accord had not made sufficient progress to reward Pyongyang with a visit. Planning for the trip also was complicated by the long period of uncertainty after the presidential election, and by Clinton’s desire to remain on call in the event of a breakthrough in Middle East peace negotiations, a senior Clinton administration official said.