A-Arms Question May Cloud Future of 2 Koreas’ Pact

SEOUL — The tide of rapprochement between North and South Korea appeared to recede Saturday as reports said South Korean lawmakers would not ratify a nonaggression pact until the north abandons development of nuclear weapons.

Concerns mounted that South Korea had rushed into Friday’s signing of the accord calling for peaceful coexistence and liaison between the longtime enemies, but omitting nuclear issues.

Instead, the two nations issued a joint statement pledging to work toward a nuclear weapons-free peninsula. They said delegates from both sides would meet by the end of December to try to agree on nuclear matters.

But major Seoul newspapers reported Saturday that the government of President Roh Tae Woo believes it would not get wide public support for an agreement that does not address concerns over nuclear weapons development in the Communist north.

Public support is especially critical in 1992, when the government faces national elections.

South Korea on Saturday reiterated its demand that North Korea halt nuclear weapons development and open its weapons facilities to international inspection.