N. Korean talks not part of Rice's trip

Published: Feb. 23, 2008 at 4:35 PM
Order reprints
WASHINGTON, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says she will not meet with North Korean officials during her trip to Asia.

Rice said she would not participate in any talks with North Korean officials during her visit, saying such actions are not "useful at this time," the Yonhap news agency reported.

Rice's comments at a Friday news conference ahead of her Saturday departure came as the international community awaits signs the Asian country would honor its obligation to provide all required information regarding its nuclear program.

"Everybody knows what needs to happen," Rice said of the tense waiting game.

The secretary of state also downplayed a planned performance by the New York Philharmonic in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang, yet labeled the event a "good thing."

Rice's latest diplomatic mission includes stops in South Korea, China and Japan.


© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



Na Yeon Choi leads Women's Open (1 min)
Report: Bivens out as LPGA commissioner (8 min)
Professor charged with sexual misconduct (12 min)
China quake destroys 10,000 homes (15 min)
LA spent $1.4 million on Jackson services (20 min)
5 teens killed by train at level crossing (32 min)
S.F. mayor orders healthy food in city (40 min)
fark
Photoshop this artistic smoker
Swami Baba Ramdev has challenged a landmark Indian court ruling legalising gay sex, claiming it...
AZ man blows a smooth .40 with almost sober looking mugshot
When trying to get away from the police, driving off a boat launch only works on tv and the movies....
Sears, Kmart already selling Christmas merchandise
MoveOn.org draws a crowd of 30 demonstrators in Alabama. None miss work