U.S.'s 'common approach' to N. Korea

Posted: Wednesday, June 03, 2009 2:03 PM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: State Dept.

From NBC’s Libby Leist
Hillary Clinton's deputy Jim Steinberg was in South Korea today for meetings on North Korea. Speaking to reporters, Steinberg said the U.S. is focused on maintaining a "common approach" with the regional allies -- Japan, South Korea, China and Russia -- as they respond to the recent North Korean nuclear test and missile launches, as well as any crises that arise from the apparent succession underway in North Korea.

"We recognize that there are events that may be taking place there,” he said, “but what we focus on is how we can continue to work together to make sure that no matter what happens in North Korea, that we have a common approach.”

Steinberg also reaffirmed U.S. security commitments to South Korea. His next stop on the trip is Beijing June 5.

Meanwhile, discussions at the United Nations are still underway to produce a resolution condemning the nuclear test and missile launch. Steinberg would not talk about what financial sanctions might be included in that resolution.

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Comments

Wow! Is this the "serious consequences" for North Korea that Obama talked about? Some deputy under-secretary is telling North Korea that 'We're going to have a "common approach"' to North Korea. Old Kim Jong Il most be shaking in his size 5 boots over that one.

Team America (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 2:14 PM)

Can someone tell me what is China's motive in all this? Apparently they can close down North Korea at will, so they are condoning what happens in that country. Can anyone explain how its to their advantage to have this regime.

Alan, NJ (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 2:16 PM)

This is what America has come to? Some bs response from a toothless arthritic tiger? This is Obama's response to North Korea setting off nuclear bombs? Pathetic.

At least we have the United Nations working the problem. They'll get something done.

YL - MI (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 2:18 PM)

"We recognize that there are events that may be taking place there,” he said, “but what we focus on is how we can continue to work together to make sure that no matter what happens in North Korea, that we have a common approach.”

I really like that last part, "no matter . . ."

Seems like a poor choice of words to me, though eminently Clintonesque. (Yes, I know it was only Hillary's deputy.)

Would have loved to see the reaction to a similar statement from Condi's deputy during the multi-lateral common approach that Bush's detractors always derided as a failure.

On the other hand, the common approach is what is important.

Richard, Washington State (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 2:21 PM)

Meanwhile, discussions at the United Nations are still underway to produce a resolution condemning the nuclear test and missile launch. Steinberg would not talk about what financial sanctions might be included in that resolution.

If they keep insisting on wanting to be Billy Bad Asses, spank their hinneys.

Anita, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 2:27 PM)

all our military spending, among the highest of all countries, is not going to stop North Korea...that country has us and the world by the cajones, and the reality is we can't do a blessed darn thing if they develop a nuke! What are we going to do about it? Attack the country? China won't have it. Russia won't have it either. And, even if we as much as throw a rock accross the DMZ, North Korea would launch missles at Japan and South Korea.

pat huntington ny (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 2:39 PM)

"Can someone tell me what is China's motive in all this? Apparently they can close down North Korea at will, so they are condoning what happens in that country. Can anyone explain how its to their advantage to have this regime." Alan, NJ (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 2:16 PM)

I'll take a stab at this, I perceive that China may think this is the 'collateral' they hold over us for all that debt they are holding. I'm not sure; but we all know if China wanted to stop North Korea, they certainly could.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Wednesday, June 03, 2009 3:00 PM)

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