Comments to Reporters Upon Departure From Six-Party Talks

ASSISTANT SECRETARY HILL: As of last night we were not really expecting to see a joint statement. I think the Chinese put together a very detailed joint statement. A lot of detail that I think is useful. But I need to take it back; several of us need to take it back to capitals to discuss before receiving final approval on it.

QUESTION: Is there a schedule in the statement for disablement?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY HILL: There are a lot of elements in it. But I would rather take it back to my capital, back to my boss, and show it to her first. But it is a very good statement and reflects a lot of hard work. Again, as of last night I wasn’t really expecting that we would have a statement. I thought we would probably end up with a Chairman’s statement rather than a joint statement. But they have done this. And several countries, several of us know we should take it back because of the detail. But assuming we go forward with this, it really lays out an entire roadmap for the end of the year.

QUESTION: Has Washington agreed to most of the elements?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY HILL: Yes. But I need to walk people through it back there, which is why I didn’t want to do it on the phone. I want to carry it back.

QUESTION: Are you closer than you were at the beginning to agreeing to what you mean by disablement?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY HILL: As I said last night, I think we are pretty close on all that. And, frankly, of all the Six-Party meetings, this was the least stressful in terms of coming up with common positions. But we are really into the nuts and bolts now of implementing denuclearization, and there are a lot of details that we are talking about -- trips by people and various things that we are doing on the ground. I really felt it was necessary to go back and walk people through this.

QUESTION: And have you agreed to send a disabling team to Yongbyon?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY HILL: Again, I don’t want to go into what is in the statement, but you can assume there is going to be a lot of activity.

QUESTION: [Inaudible]?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY HILL: I’m sorry?

QUESTION: Is there a terrorism list issue --

ASSISTANT SECRETARY HILL: Again, I don’t want to go into what is in the draft joint statement -- except to say it is very comprehensive. And as I said a couple of days ago, to the extent there were disagreements among the delegations between those that wanted more details and those that wanted less details spelled out, I think it was the view of the host, the Chinese, that we should try to do as much as possible. And we very much respect the very hard work that they have put in to this, and so I am taking this very good product and going back and hope to walk people through for consideration of it.

QUESTION: Are you going to announce the details on Wednesday?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY HILL: I think as soon as there is an agreed joint statement, I think it will be announced. I assume that will be soon. But you will have to check with the Chinese on precisely when that could be.

QUESTION: Will you be talking in New York on Wednesday about the details?

ASSISTANT SECRETARY HILL: Well today is Sunday. I think I will be having some discussions about it on Monday.

Okay? I think several of us are heading back to capitals. It is just that I have the farthest to go. So we will see you all later. Thanks.