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WASHINGTON, July 22 (Xinhuanet) -- The White House on Tuesday denied
reports that the United States is considering to offer a formal non-aggression
pledge to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in exchange for the
latter's dismantling of its nuclear programs.
"I disagree with that characterization. That is not something that is
happening," McClellan said at a news briefing, referring to a report by the
Washington Post on Tuesday.
The Post reported that Bush administration officials are considering
granting DPRK formal guarantees it will not come under US attack as part of a
verifiable dismantlement of its nuclear facilities.
Speaking to reporters earlier Tuesday, McClellan described the report
as inaccurate. "Our position remains the same," he stressed
"We still continue to seek a diplomatic solution working with the
countries in the neighborhood," McClellan said, but adding that "all options of
course remain on the table."
Such remarks are usually interpreted as Washington's refusal to give
up military options.
McClellan also reiterated US position to press for "multilateral
talks" on DPRK's nuclear issue, saying that progress on "key issues" can be made
if talks are held on multilateral basis. Enditem
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