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SLUG: 2-298014 U-S/N. Korea (S)
DATE: NOTE NUMBER: |
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DATE=1-3-02 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=U-S-NORTH KOREA (S) NUMBER=2-298014 BYLINE=DAVID GOLLUST DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: The United States has formally rejected North Korea's latest call for a mutual non-aggression pact. The State Department says there should be no negotiations with Pyongyang until it rolls back its recent efforts to build nuclear weapons. VOA's David Gollust reports from the State Department. TEXT: Pyongyang has repeatedly called for a non-aggression pact as a way out of the current crisis. The latest such proposal came Friday from North Korea's ambassador to China. But State Department spokesman Richard Boucher again dismissed the idea, saying the issue is not non-aggression, but whether North Korea will dismantle its nuclear program: ///Boucher actuality/// We have no hostile intent toward Pyongyang. And we are seeking, like others, a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to the nuclear issues. We've also made clear we're not going enter into negotiations in response to threats or broken commitments. And we're not going to bargain or offer inducements for North Korea to live up to treaties and agreements that it has signed. ///end act/// Mr. Boucher said the administration is stepping up efforts to coordinate its approach with friends and allies in the region. He said the State Department's chief arms control official John Bolton will visit South Korea, Japan and China later this month a trip that will follow a similar mission to the area next week by Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly. (Signed) NEB/DAG/FC |
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