State Department Noon Briefing

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
DAILY PRESS BRIEFING

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2001 - 1:15 P.M.
(ON THE RECORD UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED)

Q: Members of the EU are taking a delegation to North Korea this week,
I believe, to encourage them to keep going on a dialogue with the
United States, saying that a lot of Europeans are saying - and the
North Koreans as well are saying - that Pyongyang was offended by the
US kind of walking back from its desire for missile talks with the
United States.

Does the United States think that this trip, it would be helpful? Are
you encouraging the Europeans, and have there have been consultations
on this?

MR. REEKER: I think this is in the vein of the other trips and
contacts between Pyongyang and European capitals that we have
discussed several times from here. I don't have anything specific on
that meeting. Generally, we felt it was very important for the
international community to be able to make known to Pyongyang the
concerns we have, which we think apply to all of us in the
international community, particularly about missile issues and
proliferation issues.

So in that vein, our review of Korea policy continues. I don't have
anything new to offer today. I am sure we will continue to have an
active dialogue with our European allies and friends in terms of their
views and what they learn from trips such as that one you described.

Q: On China, can you tell us about --

Q: One more on North Korea? Any indication when the policy review may
--

MR. REEKER: No, I don't have any dates for you, Barbara.