US links sunken SKorean ship to future of NKorean nuke talks

US links SKorean explosion to NKorean nuke talks

WASHINGTON — The State Department is warning that the future of North Korean nuclear disarmament talks depends on an investigation into the sinking of a South Korean naval ship that exploded near the border with the North.

Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg’s comments Monday were a show of solidarity with South Korea, a U.S. ally that has reacted with fury at what many in the South consider a North Korean attack. The investigation complicates diplomatic efforts to restart negotiations aimed at persuading the North to abandon its nuclear weapons programs.

Steinberg said in a speech the United States wants a thorough investigation into the March 26 explosion of the Cheonan, which killed 46. He pledged to “follow the facts where they point.”