Though promising, accord with N. Korea remains wobbly

THE ISSUE

North Korea has agreed to close its main nuclear reactor in return for aid.

AMID optimism about a nuclear disarmament deal with North Korea, great skepticism remains that the government of Kim Jong Il will abide by the agreement.

Moreover, the sheer mass of issues and differing objectives of the six nations involved complicates fulfillment of the agreement.

Nonetheless, the pact holds hope for an end to dangerous nuclear programs in the economically desperate and isolated Asian nation.

The agreement calls for North Korea to shut down and seal its main nuclear reactor within 60 days in exchange for 50,000 tons of fuel oil, the first installment of 1 million tons of fuel oil or equivalent aid that will come from China, South Korea,Russia and the United States. Japan, the sixth party in the negotiations, will not provide aid, citing Cold War issues that have yet to be resolved with North Korea.

The dissonance with Japan, however, is minor compared to other hurdles. Chief among them is the Pyongyang regime's disinclination to keep its promises.

An indication of its unruliness was displayed in the state-run news agency's announcement of the agreement that said it required only "temporary suspension" of its operation of nuclear facilities when full disarmament is compulsory. In addition, though North Korea has accepted inspections of nuclear facilities, it has indicated it retains authority to turn down those activities.

The agreement contains no timetable for elimination of North Korea's nuclear weapons and material stockpile, leaving that for future negotiations, an issue sure