U.S. envoy urges N.Korea's return to talks

WASHINGTON, June 11 (UPI) -- The special U.S. envoy to North Korea, while noting the communist country's growing nuclear threat, did not rule out a diplomatic resolution of the issue.

In testimony before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Stephen Bosworth said the United States will not accept a nuclear North Korea and will take steps along with its partners to ensure security in the region, but also urged North Korea to return to the stalled talks on its denuclearization, the Voice of America reported.

"The United States and our partners in the region will need to take the necessary steps to assure our security in the face of this growing threat," Bosworth said. "In the interest of all concerned, we very much hope North Korea will choose the path of diplomacy rather than confrontation."

Bosworth's comments come as the U.N. Security Council moved to tighten sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear test last month and more aggressive acts since then. The six-nation denuclearization talks -- The six-nation denuclearization talks -- including North Korea, the United States, Russia, China, Japan and South Korea -- are at an impasse because of North Korea's objection over inspections.

"I think that if we remain patient and persevere in our policy, that the chances of eventual progress are good," Bosworth said.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., chairman of the committee, said how the United States deals "with North Korea this time around will have grave implications, not just for maintaining peace and stability in northeast Asia, for alliances with South Korea and Japan, but it will particularly have an impact with our ongoing nonproliferation efforts with respect to Iran and any other would-be nuclear power."