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SLUG: 2-299366 Bush / North Korea (S-O)
DATE: NOTE NUMBER: |
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DATE=2/07/03 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=BUSH / NORTH KOREA (S-O) NUMBER=2-299366 BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: President Bush says "all options are on the table" to resolve the crisis over North Korea's nuclear weapons program. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, North Korea is warning the United States not to boost its troop strength in the region in response to Pyongyang's restarting a nuclear reactor. TEXT: President Bush says he still hopes the issue of North Korea's nuclear weapons program can be resolved peacefully, but he is keeping all options open, suggesting the possible use of force. Mr. Bush discussed the situation in a telephone call with Chinese leader Jiang Zemin Friday. He says he reminded Mr. Jiang that they have a shared responsibility to ensure a nuclear-weapons-free Korean Peninsula. /// BUSH ACT /// I will continue working diplomatically to convince Kim Jong Il that he will be further isolated, if he continues to develop a nuclear program. /// END ACT /// If the North Korean leader expects any kind of help for his people, Mr. Bush says, he must comply with the world's demands that he not develop nuclear weapons. North Korea says the president's interest in diplomacy is a "smokescreen," meant to entice Pyongyang to drop its guard, while Washington readies an invasion. U-S defense officials say they are considering reinforcing U-S troops in the Pacific as a warning to Pyongyang, but deny they have any plans to attack. (SIGNED) NEB/SS/RH/TW |
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