I’ll Strive for Successful Six-Way Talks: President Bush

U.S. President George W. Bush said Wednesday, “I will pay more attention to make the six-way talks a success (for resolving nuclear issues of North Korea)” to Yoon Young-kwan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, during his visit to the White House on September 3. After his meeting with President Bush, Mr. Yoon noted, “It was confirmed that the President has a determined belief in the importance of the six-way talks.”

He added that President Bush showed a keen interest in South Korea’s economic conditions, its developments in inter-Korean relations and also expressed his interest in asking after South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun.

Right after the courtesy call at the White House, Minister Yoon had a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powel and thoroughly discussed follow-up measures from the Beijing talks.

In the press conference after the meeting, Secretary Powel announced, “We are trying to find a diplomatic solution in collaboration with all nations surrounding North Korea.” He went on to add, “The U.S. is open to all possible options and will continue to block the North‘s smuggling in illegal materials over international waters.”

“My impression is that the U.S. is approaching the six-way talks in a positive way and is satisfied with how they are developing,” said Minister Yoon, adding, “I assume that the U.S. will work hard to hold further meetings with North Korea.”

maypole@donga.com