A wary White House is hoping hints of a compromise in the dispute over North Korea's nuclear program do turn out to be "a promising development."
Former president Jimmy Carter, in North Korea, said Thursday President Kim Il Sung had agreed not to expel U.N. nuclear inspectors during "good faith efforts" to ease the 15-month-long confrontation.
That commitment was welcomed by President Clinton.
But whether it's "a promising development . . . depends on what the Koreans actually meant by what they said."
He also said North Korea must freeze its nuclear program while any new diplomatic talks take place.
Carter is to continue his talks today in Pyongyang, where he was invited as a private citizen.
The United States and its allies have been pushing North Korea to allow international inspection of its nuclear reactors to ease fears it's producing plutonium for nuclear warheads.
Pyongyang denies that, but still refuses full inspection.
Diplomatic efforts to end the logjam have some Republicans complaining about what they call Clinton's lack of resolve.
"Administration officials have set new records for disingenuous statements and deception," said Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., Thursday.
Other developments:
-- Clinton said the United States still will seek U.N. sanctions against North Korea if it does not allow inspections.
-- The Senate approved 93-3 a non-binding measure urging U.S. forces in South Korea to be ready "to deter and, if necessary, repel an attack."
Clinton said the United States "will do whatever is necessary to protect our own forces there and to fulfill our obligations."
-- The administration is reported to be studying options - including bombers and jet fighters - for bolstering U.S. forces in South Korea.
-- Assistant Secretary of State Robert Gallucci said North Korea must not refuel its reactor or reprocess fuel, and must permit U.N. inspectors to maintain safeguards.
