Nuclear

US: N.Korean nuke documentation could come Thursday

The White House said North Korea has a "deadline" of Thursday to hand in a long-awaited accounting of its nuclear past, but warned the paperwork could be delayed yet again.

The paperwork has become the symbolic linchpin for the North's nuclear disarmament deal with the United States and other countries. The U.S. says the document from Pyongyang has been overdue since Dec. 31.

"June 26th was the deadline," White House press secretary Dana Perino said Monday. "We'll have to see. We hope that they will fulfill their obligations."

Perino was more precise than other U.S. officials, who have said the nuclear declaration is expected soon but have not wanted to be pinned down to a date. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice telegraphed signaled last week that the paperwork is imminent, but would not be more specific.

If all goes well, North Korea will turn over the documentation to Chinese authorities on Thursday in Beijing, which would be either Wednesday night or before dawn Thursday in the United States.

Once the document is in hand, the U.S. has promised to remove its sanctions on North Korea under the Trading With The Enemy Act and a terrorism blacklist. That could come on Thursday or Friday in Washington.

"As we said, there was action for action," Perino said, referring to the U.S. pledges. "So let's take a look at the declaration as we get it."

Removal of the U.S. black marks is a key goal for North Korean leader Kim Jong Il as he tries to expand his country's engagement with the global financial system and improve the nation's image as a closed, repressive society.

(Published by AP - june 23, 2008)