International   

Bush, Roh warn DPRK on nuclear plan

P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE: United States President George W. Bush and his South Korean counterpart, Roh Moo-hyun, on Thursday signalled that they would "not tolerate" a nuclear-armed Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The two leaders, who met ahead of the Asia-Pacific economic leaders' meeting in Busan (South Korea), reaffirmed their commitment to resolve the issues related to the DPRK's nuclear-weapons programme through "peaceful, diplomatic" means under the framework of the ongoing six-party talks. However, the zero-tolerance for a nuclear-armed DPRK would define their diplomatic approach, Mr. Bush and Mr. Roh said.

At a press conference after the talks, Mr. Bush said the question of providing the DPRK with a light-water reactor as a source of peaceful nuclear energy would be considered only at the "appropriate time." The offer could be made only after the DPRK had "verifiably" given up its nuclear weapons and its programme.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Fear affects Jaffna turnout
Polling ends peacefully in Sri Lanka
Outcry over prisoner abuse
Saddam was assaulted in court, says report
Annan appeals for more funds
Mother donates nerves to son
The way the classics go
Bush, Roh warn DPRK on nuclear plan
Woodward testifies in Plame row
India, Russia to renew defence programme

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu