President Bush declared a united front yesterday between the United States and Asian allies on demanding North Korea return to stalled talks about giving up its nuclear weapons program.
After urging the leaders of China, Japan, South Korea and Russia to provide a "common voice" with Washington on North Korea, President Bush claimed progress and Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell said a South Korean proposal was in the mix for talks.
On the fringes of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit this weekend, Bush also described Iran's nuclear intentions, including its accelerated uranium enrichment, as a "serious matter."
"Five APEC members are working to convince North Korea to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons," Bush said in a speech to business executives.
"And I can report to you today, having visited with the other nations involved in that collaborative effort, that the will is strong, that the effort is united, and the message is clear to Mr. Kim Jong-il: Get rid of your nuclear weapons programs," Mr Bush said, referring to the North Korean leader.
North Korea refused to attend talks in September, and Bush's goal at the APEC summit this weekend was to rally the allies to persuade Pyongyang to agree to a new round of six-party talks by the end of the year or early next year.