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U.S. Department of State

Daily Press Briefing

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QUESTION: In a statement yesterday, you said that US and North Korea will resume talks in Berlin next month. Why should it be Berlin again, instead of Washington? And could you tell me about the topics?

MR. RUBIN: Yes, I think Berlin has proved to be a good city. In Berlin, we were able to obtain an understanding that prevents future tests of North Korean missiles, so Berlin has good memory for us. Obviously, we want to preserve a positive atmosphere, conducive to improved bilateral relations.

The North Korean side has announced that it will suspend the testing of long-range missiles of any kind while talks about improving relations are underway. We remain resolved to continue working diligently to effect a serious dialogue on the settlement of pending issues. We hope that the two sides can work constructively towards building a new relationship.

We welcome the opportunity to have discussions in Berlin in November and we look forward to conducting a high-level visit by a North Korean official some time after the Berlin talks. No date has been set and, when one is scheduled, we will make an announcement.

QUESTION: Do know what level that might be?

MR. RUBIN: High-level usually means up there, way above my level.

QUESTION: Who was the last senior North Korean --

MR. RUBIN: I would have to check the exact level of those we've met with in the United States. Obviously, former Defense Secretary Perry went to North Korea and met some very high-level officials. We'll check that for you.

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QUESTION: Fourteen thousand American civilians in Korea are apparently going to be issued army-surplus gas masks next month. Is there any particular threat or reason for this?

MR. RUBIN: Right. In order to provide parity between Department of Defense and other US agencies employed in Korea, we have obtained gas masks similar to those used by US forces in Korea. This step was not related to any specific threat or event. It is the fulfillment of a project initiated more than a year ago.

Of course, if we do become aware of any specific and credible threat, that information will be provided to the public at large. Obviously, the US government can't provide protective gear to every private American citizen, and our assessment of the security situation in Korea has not changed. This is the fulfillment of a project begun a year ago, to make sure there was parity between the non-DOD agencies and the DOD agencies.

QUESTION: These are people like the embassy staff and so on?

MR. RUBIN: Right. I can give you more details on all the people but, yes, other US agencies. It's more than just State Department. It's others.

QUESTION: As I understand it, this is just masks and not protective suits, and so it wouldn't be effective against many types of chemical and biological threats, correct?

MR. RUBIN: Yes. Again, what we're describing here is parity with gas masks. I don't know that every DOD official has a full protective gear either. But I'll have to check that for you.

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QUESTION: Thank you.

(The briefing was concluded 1:43 P.M.)

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