State Department Noon Briefing

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DAILY PRESS BRIEFING

WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2001
(ON THE RECORD UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

Q: New subject? North Korea? The North Koreans have again threatened
to pull out of the Agreed Framework, and I'm just wondering if you
guys take this threat seriously or is this just them whining and
yelping and trying to get a little bit of attention?

MR. BOUCHER: Our position has always been that we intend to abide by
the Agreed Framework and we expect them to abide by the Agreed
Framework, so leave it at that.

Q: Have you talked to them about it?

MR. BOUCHER: We have had continuing discussions through the New York
channel. I'm not sure that - this is a brand new statement. I doubt
if we've discussed this one yet.

Q: Have they said to you directly that they're - or are you just
learning this through news reports?

MR. BOUCHER: When we discuss the Agreed Framework, we say what we've
always said, which is we intend to abide by it and we expect you to
abide by it. I don't think we've heard anything contrary from them.

Q: Right, but that's not - I mean, my question is, I mean, are you
taking this seriously?

MR. BOUCHER: I'm not in a position to provide an ongoing commentary on
North Korean press. I'm sorry.