Hungry N. Korea Agrees To Talk Peace

With food stores dwindling and famine looming, North Korea set aside its objections Friday and agreed to attend preliminary peace talks in New York.

The reversal was an indication of how desperate the reclusive communist government is for outside aid. If the March 5 talks take place, it would mark the first time North Korea has sat down for direct negotiations involving rival South Korea, which it calls a U.S. puppet.

North Korea’s agreement came after South Korea and the United States promised $16 million in food aid and Seoul held out the carrot of more help if the talks are fruitful.