SEOUL. Feb 1: China can play a decisive role In easing disputes over North Koreas nuclear programme which are expected to reach a turning point in three weeks, a South Korean official 'said Tuesday, reports AP.

National Unification Minis ter Lee Yung-duk noted that the International Atomic Energy Agency's board will meet Februan' 21 to review progress .in efforts to persuade the Communist North to accept full international Inspections of its nuclear facilities.

South Korean officials say the issue would hgve to be taken to the' UN Security Council for consideration of -

sanctions unless ft is resolved before theFebruary 21 meeting.

"China's influence would be a decisive factor in affecting North Korea's course of action." Lee said in a meeting with officials of the governing Democratic Liberal Party.

Foreign Minister Han Sung-Joo told the same meeting that the IAEA Is expected to declare safeguards discontinued in North Korea if it Is unable to carry out thorough inspections there.

'Then the North's nuclear problem would have to be sent to the UN Security Couactl." Han said

South Korean Ambassador

to China Hwang Byung-tae said separately in Seoul Tuesday that Beijing is believed to be trying hard to persuade North Korea to accept full IAEA inspections.

"China knows that ii would be thrown into a difficult situation if the North's nuclear issue is sent to the Security Council." Hwang told reporters.

On Monday. North Korea said that if the United States continues trying to pressure it to accept IAEA conditions fpr Inspections, it would follow through on threats to withdraw from an international treaty to check the spread of nuclear weapons.