UN Likely to Pressure N. Korea on Nuclear Issue

WASHINGTON — The United Nations Security Council will likely adopt a statement soon pressing North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons program, a senior White House official told reporters Thursday.

"We are preparing in New York for some statement and we are discussing among the experts, and the timing will have to be based on some consensus among the permanent members, Japan, Korea and others," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"But sooner or later-we think sooner-the UNSC also has to say clearly to North Korea, 'You must go to talks and you must give up nuclear weapons,' " he said.

Washington tried to have the UNSC adopt a statement putting pressure on Pyongyang in April. But the plan was shelved because Beijing and Moscow—permanent members of the council with veto power—disapproved. The United States again indicated it wanted a statement at a meeting with government officials of Japan and South Korea in Hawaii earlier this month. Tokyo and Seoul indicated it would be too soon to adopt such a statement.

But the White House official said Thursday: "I don't think the Security Council issue is a big conflict between the United States and China and Japan or other countries.

"Everyone agrees in principle. It's mostly a tactical question about the timing, and ... if North Korea doesn't come to the talks, we may have to do it soon."

Washington is particularly encouraged that Beijing has shifted its stand.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing made clear to U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell during the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting this month in Phnom Penh that Beijing shares Washington's goals, interests and policy concerning Pyongyang.

Another White House official said China would agree to a plan to have Tokyo and Seoul join trilateral negotiations between Washington, Pyongyang and Beijing over the nuclear issue. The first trilateral talks were held in Beijing in April.

"We've told the Chinese that we really want five-party talks for the next round," the official said. The Chinese officials "are ultimately going to have to lean on the North Koreans to make them come."