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U.S. President George W. Bush on Wednesday speculated North Korean leader Kim Jong-il ¡°is tired of being isolated in the world... and would try to advance his country in a way that makes it easier for the people to have a better life." Bush was commenting on Pyongyang¡¯s recent more cooperative attitude in giving up its nuclear program.
In an interview with Japanese reporters prior to taking part in the G8 summit in Japan, Bush said, "Expectations are that (Kim) will move forward, action for action." He said he expects ¡°a full declaration of manufactured plutonium. We expect there to be a full disclosure of any enrichment activities and proliferation activities."
But he warned if the North Koreans choose not to proceed on the ¡°agreed-upon way forward -- action for action -- there will be further isolation and further deprivation for the people of North Korea."
With regard to the Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 80s, Bush said six-nation nuclear talks are ¡°a framework to help solve the concerns of the parents, the people of Japan and the Japanese government." He added, "This is the beginning of our concern."
If the U.S. and other countries conclude that North Korea is not living up to its word, they will send a message that there are consequences, he added. NHK speculated Bush¡¯s comment hints ¡°that he may decide not to remove North Korea from the (State Department list of state sponsors of terrorism) based on its actions until Aug. 11, the scheduled day for removal."
And as far as the nuclear ambitions of both North Korea and Iran are concerned, Bush said, "I have always said that diplomacy has got to be the first choice of solving any of these problems. But military options remain on the table."
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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