    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2007, Book II)]
    [October 3, 2007]
    [Pages 1275-1276]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Agreement Announced at the Six-Party Talks in Beijing
    October 3, 2007

        I welcome the agreement announced today at the six-party talks in
    Beijing. Today's announcement reflects the common commitment of the
    participants in the six-party talks to realize a Korean Peninsula that
    is free of nuclear weapons.
        In September 2005, we agreed on a joint statement that charted the
    way forward toward achieving a nuclear weapons-free peninsula. In
    February 2007, the participants in the six-party talks announced a set
    of first steps toward implementing that agreement. Today's announcement
    maps out additional steps toward our ultimate goal of full and
    verifiable denuclearization.
        Under the agreement reached today, North Korea has committed that by
    the end of 2007, it will provide a complete and correct declaration of
    all its nuclear

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    programs, nuclear weapons programs, materials, and any proliferation
    activity. North Korea will get started on its commitment to disable all
    its existing nuclear facilities by disabling the core nuclear facilities
    at Yongbyon by the end of the year. North Korea also committed not to
    transfer nuclear materials, technology, or know-how beyond its borders.
        The other parties--including the United States--are providing
    economic and energy assistance to North Korea. Such assistance is being
    provided as North Korea carries out its commitments.
        I commend Secretary Rice, Ambassador
    Hill, and our negotiating team for their
    hard work and dedication to this important effort, which will help
    secure the future peace and prosperity of the Northeast Asian region.