State Department Briefing, Thursday, Spokesperson A Ereli

No statements, just questions.

Questioner 1:
Question on North Korea.
What is the goal, North Korea(DPRK) as a member of the community, or dealing with the nuclear issue?
• Inherent problem with nukes on the Korean penninsula(?)
Similar statements by DPRK in past, is this one worse?

Where is Ambassador DiTrani(sp?). Does C Rice plan to ask the Ambassador to return to the region?
• He's in Washington.  Doesn't know about any C Rice plans.

Questioner 3: Would the DPRK be welcome into the world if they give up nukes?
• The US has no hostile intent towards North Korea.  Prepared to participate in multi-laterial "security assurances." (<-- meaningless words).  Prepared to work with DPRK for diplomatic solution to this problem (except 1-on-1, duh).  And can't take any steps until "these programs are dismantled." 
Can any benefits happen before full dismantlement?
• "I don't want to parse it further"

Questioner 4: The podium has been used to promote diplomacy, and the old line was that the benefits could begin before full stop of nuclear weapons program, and now you aren't saying that. 
• Refuses to answer.

A British Questioner: Some talks with North Korea, which claims to have a nuclear weapons, no talks with Iran, although they only may/may not have a weapon.
• Different levels of technology.  Different international systems apply.  Different regional interests.  Our national security, humanitarian interests, he refuses to disentangle them.  Bah.