NORTH KOREA Status of Nuclear Freeze Agreement...................19-21 Status of Formal Diplomatic Relations................21
QUESTION: North Korean announcement that they're no longer going to abide by the nuclear freeze agreement?
MR. BURNS: I'd be glad to. North Korea has not indicated to the United States, and we have regular contacts with the North Koreans, any intention to break the nuclear freeze or to violate any of the provisions of the Agreed Framework.
North Korea continues to fulfill its obligations under the Agreed Framework as does the United States, as do all other parties, that are concerned with the Agreed Framework.
For instance, progress continues on preparations for ultimate site preparation and deliveries of heavy fuel oil to North Korea for both November and December. These deliveries of heavy fuel oil will be made on a timely basis.
KEDO also continues to attract new members, including the European Union, which decided last month to join KEDO. The EU and KEDO are currently negotiating the terms of the EU's membership and financial contributions. The United States and the Republic of Korea and Japan all remain committed to fulfilling our own obligations under the Agreed Framework. So I don't think there is much to the story at all.
QUESTION: A follow-up?
MR. BURNS: Yes.
QUESTION: It was reported in Seoul that Assistant Secretary Winston Lord received a letter from the Consul to the North Korean Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs to threaten to drop out of the Agreed Framework if the United States delayed the light-water reactors project, and continue urging North Korea to apologize for the submarine incident to South Korea. Is it fact or could you confirm that?
MR. BURNS: You're asking about a letter?
QUESTION: Yes.
MR. BURNS: I don't normally talk about diplomatic correspondence. I don't want to be in a position of confirming this particular letter.
I think that the answer I gave was quite clear, that we don't believe there's been a problem.
QUESTION: Can I follow up?
MR. BURNS: Yes.
QUESTION: Are you saying that this morning's radio announcement from the North Korean agency saying that North Korea doesn't think the nuclear freeze will hold anymore? The U.S. doesn't take that seriously, or the U.S. doesn't --
MR. BURNS: We don't believe that that's accurate. We've not heard that. We've not seen any indication that North Korea is not living up to its commitments under KEDO under the Agreed Framework.
QUESTION: But the fact that statement was made on the radio --
MR. BURNS: I think what's more important is the actions that they take. I would watch the actions as opposed to the words. The actions are -- you know, we monitor this on a daily basis -- North Korea is meeting its commitments to the Agreed Framework. We've seen no indications that it is deviating in any way from the Agreed Framework.
So despite radio broadcasts, the actions are always going to be more important. I'm pleased to say that the actions are consistent with North Korean commitments.
QUESTION: One more question. If I understand correctly, I think the U.S. has been very careful not to use the word "apology." I think the phrase suggests some gesture should be taken or some positive steps should be taken by North Korea to South Korea.
Is the U.S. making it clear not to use the word "apology," or is there any U.S. position on that --
MR. BURNS: I'm not aware that we have any hang-ups about words. The fact is that we protested this incident along with the Republic of Korea to the Armistice Commission the day after it happened. We voted and the Security Council unanimously voted to condemn the actions of North Korea.
We've told the North Koreans in our contacts in New York what they did was unacceptable behavior, a fundamental violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Korea. We've had a very clear, public, strong position on this from Day One. I'm not aware that we have any problem with that particular word.
QUESTION: There is rumor that North Korea has notified the U.S. that they will not open the Liaison Office in Washington, DC and the U.S. did likewise. Would you verify it?
MR. BURNS: I cannot confirm that, no. I prefer not to deal in rumors. I wouldn't encourage you to believe those particular rumors. I just can't confirm that.
Thank you.
(Press briefing concluded at 1:57 p.m.)
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