http://www.herald.com/content/wed/docs/096352.htm

PYONGYANG, North Korea -- North Korea's leader hinted to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright that his country might end testing of its long-range Taepodong ballistic missile, Albright said Tuesday as she neared the end of the first trip by a high-ranking U.S. official to North Korea.

Albright, who met for six hours over two days with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, said progress had been made in efforts to curb North Korea's missile program. She described the talks as ``serious and constructive'' and said missile specialists from both countries would meet next week.

Albright must decide whether to recommend that President Clinton visit North Korea before he leaves office. Clinton will decide whether to make the trip after Albright returns.

Kim made the comment about missile tests in a casual remark to Albright. But it would be of top importance to the United States if it proves to be a promise kept. North Korea has been developing missiles capable of hitting the United States and has sold missiles to Iran and other countries.

North Korea alarmed Asia and drew protests from Japan and the United States when it test-fired Taepodong I, a medium-range ballistic missile, over Japan in 1998. North Korea said it was trying to put a satellite in orbit. The attempt failed.

Albright said that on Monday evening, during a massive performance of theatrical propaganda that included video footage of the launch, Kim turned to her and said: ``This was the first satellite launch and will be the last.''

The United States is also concerned about North Korea's extensive stockpiles of chemical weapons and its capability of producing biological weapons and possibly one or two nuclear weapons.

North Korea has frozen its nuclear weapons program, and a Pentagon report said recent inspections showed the freeze was holding.

Albright said at a news conference Tuesday that she also discussed terrorism, human rights and tensions between North Korea and South Korea.

The two Koreas face off across the heavily armed Demilitarized Zone, and technically have remained at war since hostilities in the Korean War ended in 1953. The conflict has eased greatly since an unprecedented meeting between the Koreas' leaders in June.

North Korea has been on the U.S. list of countries that support terrorism since 1988, after its agents blew up a South Korean airliner and killed 115 people. The United States also lists North Korea as one of the worst abusers of human rights in the world.

``It is important that we work to overcome the enmities of the past and focus on a brighter future for our peoples,'' Albright said Tuesday.

Asked her impressions of Kim, a reclusive leader often viewed as a playboy despot by outsiders, Albright gave cautious praise.

She acknowledged that Kim, who at 58 sports a fluffy hairdo and wears elevated heels, has been ``somewhat a mystery.'' But she said she found him to be ``a good listener and interlocutor.''

``He strikes me as decisive and practical,'' Albright said. ``We had serious discussions.''

Albright gave Kim, a basketball fan, a ball signed by Michael Jordan. She also told him to call her anytime, and he responded by asking for her e-mail address.