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U.S. Department of State

Daily Press Briefing

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QUESTION: You touched on national security. Could you comment on the latest words that have come out of the China Commentary, their official news agency, when they say that our demands for access to the site in North Korea is unjustified? I think they also said it was ridiculous - something to that effect. On the eve of the North Korean bilateral talks and the four party talks, how is this seen?

MR. RUBIN: I haven't seen those particular comments, but let me say we have not sensed any problem from China when we have explained to them in our private discussions the importance we attach to the North Korea agreed framework and the importance we attach to getting access to these sites. It doesn't mean there wasn't some commentary for some purpose or another. But in the information that has been available to me, I haven't heard anyone suggest that the Chinese don't think it's important to find out, like us, whether the agreed framework is being complied with.

QUESTION: Could I just follow up really quickly? Isn't this the first time that they've come out and directly stated their opposition?

MR. RUBIN: Well, I haven't seen the particular account. I don't know to what extent it reflects the views of the leadership publicly. I do know that in the many discussions we've had with China about North Korea, there's not been a suggestion that they disagree with us on the importance of getting access to the site.

QUESTION: Could you take that question and perhaps get back to us later if you can?

MR. RUBIN: Sure.

QUESTION: Jamie, how concerned is the US Government that if the North Koreans do not give us access to the underground site and do not give us the assurance that they won't again test fire a ballistic missile, that that will impact the talks that will take place next week to bring about a permanent peace to the Korean Peninsula. Is there a linkage between the two?

MR. RUBIN: Well, certainly the agreed framework set forth in 1994 has been the touchstone for our attempt to improve the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. It is only as a result of that agreed framework that we were able to set up greater efforts to try to promote greater stability on the peninsula. So if we do not get satisfaction in assuring ourselves that the agreed framework is being carried out and will be carried out, the whole edifice will be affected that has been created since 1994. So it would be hard to see how one could have the 1994 agreed framework in jeopardy and yet be able to make progress in this broader area.

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(The briefing concluded at 1:40 P.M.)

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