U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
Taken Questions for October 15, 1993

1.  NORTH KOREA 
Q:  When was the most recent contact with North Korea regarding nuclear 
concerns?

A: -- THE LAST ROUND OF U.S.-DPRK TALKS ON THE NUCLEAR ISSUE TOOK PLACE 
JULY 14-19 IN GENEVA.  THAT WAS THE SECOND ROUND OF SUCH TALKS.

--SINCE THEN, THERE HAVE BEEN INFORMAL CONTACTS AT THE U.N. IN NEW YORK 
TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE POSITIONS OF BOTH SIDES WITH REGARD TO A THIRD 
ROUND OF TALKS.  THOSE CONTACTS ARE CONTINUING, AS NECESSARY.


2.  INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY
Q.  What is your assessment of the IAEA's ability to effectively 
safeguard nuclear facilities?

A.  WE BELIEVE THAT THE SAFEGUARDS SYSTEM OF THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC 
ENERGY AGENCY (IAEA) IS A VITAL ELEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL NON-
PROLIFERATION REGIME. 

--WE BELIEVE THE IAEA CARRIES OUT ITS SAFEGUARDS MISSION EFFECTIVELY, 
AND WE STRONGLY SUPPORT THAT MISSION.

--THIS ADMINISTRATION IS COMMITTED, AS PART OF THE NON-PROLIFERATION 
POLICY ANNOUNCED ON SEPTEMBER 27, TO ENSURE THAT THE IAEA HAS THE 
RESOURCES NEEDED TO IMPLEMENT ITS VITAL SAFEGUARDS RESPONSIBILITIES AND 
TO WORK TO STRENGTHEN THE IAEA'S ABILITY TO DETECT CLANDESTINE NUCLEAR 
ACTIVITIES.  

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