Remarks Following Dinner With Korean Director Gen.

Remarks Following Dinner With Republic of Korea Director General Hwang

Ambassador Sung Kim, Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks

Seoul Plaza Hotel

Seoul, Republic of Korea

November 24, 2008

AMBASSADOR KIM: Good evening. It’s great to be here. I had a good discussion with Director General Hwang on the issues he just mentioned including the verification protocol, and the timeline for disablement and energy assistance. I am here to attend a conference co-organized by the UN and the Korean Government. But I appreciate this opportunity to consult with Director General Hwang. I'm looking forward to continuing our consultation and coordination in the lead up to the next round of the Six-Party Talks.

QUESTION: Are there any plans for U.S. and North Korean officials to meet before the main round of the Six-Party Talks, next month even?

AMBASSADOR KIM: No plans at the moment.

QUESTION: Ambassador Kim, is there any difference between the U.S. and North Korea on the verification issue? There is some report that there is some difference between the two countries on how to verify North Korea’s nuclear program.

AMBASSADOR KIM: No, we don’t think there’s any difference. There’s no confusion between Washington and Pyongyang on what was agreed to. I think the task now is to bring that bilateral agreement and understanding into the Six-Party process and to finalize and adopt it at the next round of the Six-Party Talks.

QUESTION: Are you confident about making progress at the next round of talks?

AMBASSADOR KIM: I am confident that we will work very hard to make progress. In fact, I think all of the parties are committed to making progress at the next round of talks.

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