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U.S. Department of State

Daily Press Briefing

INDEX
TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1999
Briefers: JAMES B. FOLEY

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DAILY PRESS BRIEFING
DPB #110
TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1999 1:15 P.M.
(ON THE RECORD UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

  .............

QUESTION: What is your reaction, Mr. Foley, to yesterday's diplomatic offensive by the South Korean Government, sending diplomats to Japan and sending diplomats to China and also here to the United States to head off the launching of North Korean missile in the near future? Is this an effective campaign, do you think?

MR. FOLEY: My answer is that first of all, I'm becoming increasingly hungry. But beyond that, let me say that first of all, you're right to point out that the South Koreans have been involved in different forms of diplomatic activity. The meetings that took place between the foreign ministers of Japan and Korea, for example, were meetings that we were not participating in. So I'd have to refer you to those governments for details. But obviously, to the extent that such bilateral meetings address the goals of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, we welcome any positive contribution that consultations make.

With regard to perhaps you alluded to meetings between the PRC and South Korean defense ministers, we're encouraged to see China and the Republic of Korea meeting to discuss issues of common concern in the region. China's engagement with its neighbors on key security issues like the DPRK's missile program is a welcome sign.

In terms of our approach, though, to the North Korean issue, you reference the issue of missile testing, upon which we've spoken at length previously. I think I would underscore two points in this respect. First of all, our position on this matter has been very closely and carefully coordinated - a lot of c's for you - with our South Korean and Japanese allies. So we've been in touch with each other on a trilateral basis as we move forward.

But you are emphasizing one aspect, and I think it's equally legitimate, though, to emphasize the positive dimension, though, of the approach that Japan and South Korea and the United States have taken towards the entire North Korean issue. The three of us are continuing to urge North Korea to choose a path that embraces peaceful and productive engagement with the international community. We remain prepared to improve political and economic relations in the near term in the context of the DPRK's implementation of the agreed framework and as the DPRK addresses other issues of concern to us, including on the missile issue, based on the ideas that were discussed during former Secretary Perry's visit to Pyongyang.

So I think that what the South Koreans are doing is in close consultation with the United States and also with our Japanese allies.

QUESTION: Jim, on that, what do you make of the latest round of --

QUESTION: Let me just ask - Lim Dong-won is coming to the United States to see Mr. Bill Perry. Is he going to be here at the State Department in his --

MR. FOLEY: Not to my knowledge. I think it's a private, informal visit to Dr. Perry out on the West Coast.

QUESTION: What do you make of this latest round of bombast from Pyongyang complaining about - that the light water reactor has been delayed?

MR. FOLEY: Well, we don't believe there's a basis for the claim. At least, as I understood the reference you're making was to US allegedly not meeting its commitments on the light water reactor.

Let me make clear - the United States is meeting all of its obligations under the agreed framework and remains committed to the light water reactor project. Japan has pledged the equivalent of $1 billion and the Republic of Korea has agreed to fund 70 percent of the construction costs of the light water reactors. Both legislatures in both countries recently approved funding for the light water reactor project.

In terms of our commitment, the United States - let me say first of all, the burden-sharing agreement reached last August among KEDO members does not contain any commitment by the United States to contribute to the light water reactor project. But the United States is committed to seeking funding for the supply of heavy fuel oil and for other KEDO needs, as appropriate, from the US Congress and all other possible sources. That's exactly what we've been doing for several years now.

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(The briefing concluded at 2:25 P.M.)

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