Governor of New Mexico arrives in North Korea
Pyongyang — Bill Richardson, the New Mexico governor who has undertaken diplomatic missions to countries at odds with the United States, began a rare visit to isolated North Korea yesterday to recover remains of American servicemen killed in the Korean War.
The four-day trip, which has been endorsed by the Bush administration, comes days before a crucial deadline in a recent nuclear disarmament accord. But Mr. Richardson, a Democratic candidate for president, said he had no intention of negotiating nuclear matters.
North Korea made a breakthrough agreement on nuclear disarmament on Feb. 13, raising hopes for an end to a long-running standoff with the U.S. and regional powers. The agreement set an April 14 deadline for the North to shut down its main nuclear reactor.
Mr. Richardson said the timing of his visit is important and will show North Korea America’s good intentions