By Gemma Q. Casas
Variety News Staff

SOUTH Koreans on Guam and in the Northern Marianas hailed North Korea’s decision to abandon its nuclear weapons program and return to the six-party talks in exchange for economic assistance from the United States.
Chang-son Kim, South Korea’s outgoing consul general on Guam, said Koreans were relieved upon learning of North Korea’s decision.
“The nuclear talks succeeded,” he said. “We’re hoping for further understanding and mutual cooperation,” said Kim in an interview here on Sunday during the Korean Association of Saipan’s Lunar New Year celebration.
Northern Marianas and Guam residents expressed concern after Pyongyang announced it had successfully launched multiple missiles on July 4, 2006.
Days after the launch, South Korea and the U.S. held joint aerial exercises on Guam.
Joo, Ho Joon, general secretary of the Korean Association of Saipan, said North Korea’s decision to return to the six-party talks will mean better opportunities for its residents impoverished by Communist misrule.
“North Koreans need help,” said Joo.
North Korea agreed early this month to dismantle its nuclear weapons program in talks held in Beijing with representatives from the U.S., China, South Korea, Japan and Russia.
The agreement calls for the delivery of 50,000 tons of heavy fuel oil to North Korea within 60 days from this month, in exchange for the eventual abandonment of its Yongbyon nuclear facility.
North Korea also agreed to open its nuclear sites for inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency.