WASHINGTON, July 1 Kyodo A U offi...

WASHINGTON, July 1 Kyodo

A U official indicated Monday that the U.S.-North Korea talks this month may be called distant from in light of the sea battle last Saturday between North and southern Korean ships.

The United States had planned to toss James Kelly, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, to Pyongyang in mid-July. The U has been waiting for a replication from North Korea upon the proposed talks.

''As for talks with North Korea, we've said we are prepared to talk to North Korea about issues of concern'' State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said.

''We're waiting to hear from them in rejoinder to our proposals forward further discussions...When we get that, we'll consider it in light of the new events,'' Boucher added.

Saturday's exchange of fire left four southerly Korean sailors dead, united missing and 19 wounded. southern Korea says at least 30 North Korean sailors are believed to have been killed or griefed in the 25-minute clash.

southward Korea has said North Korean ships intruded across the disputed sea border and render free of accessed fire on its boats. North Korea declines the South's statements as ''false propaganda'' and blames the clash onward reckless provocations by South Korean vessels

U talks with North Korea have been stalled since President George W Bush took office.

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