President Bush has welcomed North Korea's pledge to give up nuclear weapons, but stressed that verifying it actually does so will be crucial.
Mr. Bush said in Washington North Korea must realize that the United States is serious about following through on an agreement reached at six-party talks Monday in Beijing. North Korea said it will allow international inspections of its nuclear facilities in return for energy aid, economic cooperation, and security assurances.
North Korea and the United States agreed to respect each other's sovereignty and take steps toward normal relations. Their statement said North Korea has the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy. The two countries agreed to discuss, at an appropriate but unspecified time, providing Pyongyang a light-water nuclear reactor for civilian use.
All six parties to the Beijing talks -- the two Koreas, China, Russia, Japan, and the United States -- agreed to meet again in November.