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CNN Live At Daybreak

Bush Tours DMZ Between Koreas

Aired February 20, 2002 - 06:31   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.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: President Bush is on the South Korean leg of his three-nation East Asian tour -- we've been telling you about that. Well, today he traveled to a spot few people get to see, the heavily fortified DMZ between North and South Korea.

CNN's Kelly Wallace is on this presidential trip, and she has that for us.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KELLY WALLACE, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: It was a visit loaded with symbolism. President Bush coming here to the demilitarized zone separation North and South Korea to reassure South Korea that his recent tough talk is not inconsistent with efforts to engage the North Koreans and reunify the Korean Peninsula.

Mr. Bush had a chance to look at one of the nations he calls part of an "axis of evil" peering through binoculars at an observation post and then he sat down with some of the U.S. troops who are helping to protect South Korea from its communist neighbor. And then he wrapped up his visit joining President Kim Dae-jung of South Korea along this newly built road and rail line, which South Korea hopes to use to reconnect with the North.

In remarks here, President Bush calls on the North to finish work on the road and rail line and he once again said he is willing to talk with North Korea anywhere, any time.

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We're prepared to talk with the North about steps that will lead to a better future, a future that is more hopeful and less threatening, but like this road left unbuilt, our offer has gone unanswered.

WALLACE: The president also defended his use of "axis of evil" comparing it to President Ronald Reagan describing the Soviet Union as an evil empire and how President Reagan was still able to negotiate with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. Clearly the president's message here is that his tough talk will continue, but that he is also open to dialogue.

South Korean President Kim seemed to like what he heard. He told reporters, "there is no difference of opinion between him and President Bush".

Kelly Wallace, CNN, near the demilitarized zone, South Korea.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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