Remarks to the Media Prior to Departure From Japan

ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE HILL: We had a discussion about the timeframe, and it was the expectation on both of our parts that this would be a matter of, I want to say, two or three weeks. So it really is coming in a matter of weeks. IAEA needs to get there and to work out how they're going to set up their monitoring. But we don't expect any problems. So we'll see.

QUESTION: So they said that they’re going to --

A/S HILL: I don't want to pin it down to the day, but, yes, within that timeframe.

QUESTION: Both of you agreed to do that?

A/S HILL: I wasn't negotiating there. They have to work it out with the IAEA, but within that timeframe. They indicated that they can shut it down by then.

OK?

QUESTION: North Korea media said that the Six-Party Talks are going to be held in early July. Is it right?

A/S HILL: Yes, that's what we're hoping for.

QUESTION: How about the foreign ministerial?

A/S HILL: Probably later on in the month; probably later in July. It hasn't been fixed. You know, the host of the Six-Party process, the Chinese, need to consult with everybody and then make that decision.

QUESTION: Are the North Korean funds going to Russia?

A/S HILL: Yes, their funds are in Russia. And, as I understand it, there was a Russian announcement that the funds have been deposited. But you'll have to check with the Russians on that.

QUESTION: What is the most important outcome you made this time?

A/S HILL: Well, the most important outcome of the trip to Pyongyang is that we have a good understanding of the way ahead on denuclearization and starting with this initial phase – which, as I indicated, should be completed within a matter of weeks. And then we have some understanding of the way forward after that. So I think what was important was that we lost a lot of time during the spring, and I think now we have a chance to regain that time.

And, as I also said before, in creating a stronger basis for denuclearization, I think we also created a stronger framework and a stronger foundation for dealing with other issues, including the abduction issue.

QUESTION: North Korea never complained about the BDA issue anymore?

A/S HILL: No, they understood we were working very hard on that. We were hoping the money would have been transferred earlier in the week. I think it took a couple more days. But, as I understand, it's been done now.

QUESTION: They’re satisfied now?

A/S HILL: Yes, I guess.

I've got to catch a plane back to the U.S. Thank you.