Russian Asian leaders back U.S. on nuclear issue
By BENNETT ROTH
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle
SANTIAGO, CHILE -- Putting security threats at the top of his agenda, President Bush on Saturday won commitments from Russian and Asian leaders to press the North Koreans to eliminate their nuclear weapons programs.
Bush, who met with leaders during a Pacific Rim trade summit here, suggested he heard no dissent from his stand that North Korea must complete negotiations with Washington, Russia, Japan, South Korea and China to dismantle its nuclear programs.
"The leader of North Korea will hear a common voice," said Bush, after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.
Bush also met with Chinese President Hu Jintao, who said he wanted to resolve the nuclear standoff on the Korean peninsula peacefully, and with South Korean President Ro Moo-hyun, who supported the six-nation negotiations.