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North Korea Standoff

Aired January 10, 2003 - 10:31   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: The North Korean ambassador to the United Nations will address the United Nations within the hour. This in light of the news the North Korean announcing they're pulling out of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty immediately. That causing incredible concerns around the world, especially here in the U.S.
Let's go to the White House now and Suzanne Malveaux for more on the story.

Suzanne, hello.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi.

Well, just moments ago White House spokesman Ari Fleischer held a gaggle with reporters to talk about what the latest developments are. We have been told that President Bush held a 15-minute conversation with China's Jiang Zemin, that he reiterated the administration's position, first of all saying that there is no intention of any hostility toward North Korea, no type of purpose or intention to actually invade North Korea.

Also, he said that the two leaders agreed that North Korea's announcement, withdrawing from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty -- and I'm quoting here -- "was a concern to the entire international community." He went on to say it is a situation that binds us to a common purpose.

Ari Fleischer also, however, downplayed the significance of the announcement, as other officials have, saying it was no surprise, given that North Korea had already violated the treaty, they made the announcement today.

But nevertheless, they were heartened by the strong statements of condemnation from France, Britain and Russia. But, again, the administration emphasizing that they'll work through diplomatic channels. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian affairs, James Kelly over the weekend heading to that region to be meeting with representatives of South Korea, China, Japan and others to push for North Korea to change its course -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Actually, it's Daryn, that's OK, different women with boys names. Very confusing around here. A quick question here about any comment from the administration about what's taking place in New Mexico? Interesting twist with the now-Governor Bill Richardson, but former U.N. ambassador and member of the Clinton administration, meeting with these North Korean officials. MALVEAUX: Well, it certainly complicates the situation, because on the one hand you have mixed messages from North Korea, an act of defiance, saying we're going to withdraw from this treaty. But on the other hand, these two envoys meeting with Governor Richardson to talk, perhaps, about some sort of breakthrough, some sort of negotiations.

The Bush administration is being very cautious and very careful about how they respond to this. First of all, they say Governor Richardson is not a representative of the administration. He does not act in any official capacity. But what they're saying is that, yes, we'll allow them to talk, we'll listen to what they have to say, we'll take advantage of this open line of communication, but at the same time, reiterate that the Bush administration believes that North Korea has to abandon its nuclear weapons program before it can talk directly with the United States, and that's a point that's not negotiable.

KAGAN: Very interesting twist, what's taking place in New Mexico.

Suzanne, thank you.

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Aired January 10, 2003 - 10:31   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: The North Korean ambassador to the United Nations will address the United Nations within the hour. This in light of the news the North Korean announcing they're pulling out of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty immediately. That causing incredible concerns around the world, especially here in the U.S.
Let's go to the White House now and Suzanne Malveaux for more on the story.

Suzanne, hello.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi.

Well, just moments ago White House spokesman Ari Fleischer held a gaggle with reporters to talk about what the latest developments are. We have been told that President Bush held a 15-minute conversation with China's Jiang Zemin, that he reiterated the administration's position, first of all saying that there is no intention of any hostility toward North Korea, no type of purpose or intention to actually invade North Korea.

Also, he said that the two leaders agreed that North Korea's announcement, withdrawing from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty -- and I'm quoting here -- "was a concern to the entire international community." He went on to say it is a situation that binds us to a common purpose.

Ari Fleischer also, however, downplayed the significance of the announcement, as other officials have, saying it was no surprise, given that North Korea had already violated the treaty, they made the announcement today.

But nevertheless, they were heartened by the strong statements of condemnation from France, Britain and Russia. But, again, the administration emphasizing that they'll work through diplomatic channels. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian affairs, James Kelly over the weekend heading to that region to be meeting with representatives of South Korea, China, Japan and others to push for North Korea to change its course -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Actually, it's Daryn, that's OK, different women with boys names. Very confusing around here. A quick question here about any comment from the administration about what's taking place in New Mexico? Interesting twist with the now-Governor Bill Richardson, but former U.N. ambassador and member of the Clinton administration, meeting with these North Korean officials. MALVEAUX: Well, it certainly complicates the situation, because on the one hand you have mixed messages from North Korea, an act of defiance, saying we're going to withdraw from this treaty. But on the other hand, these two envoys meeting with Governor Richardson to talk, perhaps, about some sort of breakthrough, some sort of negotiations.

The Bush administration is being very cautious and very careful about how they respond to this. First of all, they say Governor Richardson is not a representative of the administration. He does not act in any official capacity. But what they're saying is that, yes, we'll allow them to talk, we'll listen to what they have to say, we'll take advantage of this open line of communication, but at the same time, reiterate that the Bush administration believes that North Korea has to abandon its nuclear weapons program before it can talk directly with the United States, and that's a point that's not negotiable.

KAGAN: Very interesting twist, what's taking place in New Mexico.

Suzanne, thank you.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com