[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.