North Korea Described as Nuclear Problem

The head of the United Nations nuclear agency says North Korea is a more immediate problem for nuclear arms control officials than Iran. Mohammed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, made the comment during a visit to Albania today. He said both the North Korean and Iranian issues were complex and could only be solved through dialogue and diplomacy. ElBaradei said he hopes a way would be found to engage North Korea in a fully substantive discussion about all issues associated with the nuclear problem, including regional security, economic sanctions, trade negotiations and humanitarian assistance.