Pentagon Halts Recovery Effort in N.Korea

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http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5031907,00.html

By ROBERT BURNS
AP Military Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Pentagon on Wednesday abruptly suspended U.S. efforts to recover the remains of American soldiers from North Korea. The communist country was creating an environment that could have jeopardized the safety of U.S. workers, the Defense Department said.

No specifics were provided. The announcement came amid rising tensions with North Korea over its nuclear weapons and missile programs and concern that it might be preparing a live nuclear test. The Bush administration also has been critical of Kim Jong Il's government for refusing to resume talks with the United States, Russia, China, Japan and South Korea over the future of its nuclear ambitions.

A senior Pentagon spokesman, Lawrence Di Rita, said Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld had recommended halting efforts to recover the remains. Di Rita mentioned concerns about restrictions by North Korea on the use of communications devices by U.S. personnel while they are on North Korean territory. They are not allowed to call outside the country.

Other defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss details, said Rumsfeld's decision was less about such specifics but more about a broader unease among senior administration officials with the overall direction of North Korean policies.