DATE=12/31/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / NORTH KOREA (S)

NUMBER=2-297954

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush says he wants to resolve a crisis over North Korea's nuclear weapons program without resorting to military action. V-O-A's Scott Stearns reports, North Korea Tuesday expelled two U-N inspectors who were monitoring a facility that the international community believes can produce fuel for a nuclear weapon.

TEXT: President Bush says he is continuing to pursue a common "diplomatic approach" with China, Japan, and South Korea to convince North Korea to give-up its nuclear weapons program.

Speaking to reporters near his Texas ranch, Mr. Bush said there is a "strong consensus" in the international community that North Korea must comply with its obligations to stop producing nuclear weapons.

/// BUSH ACT ///

I believe this can be done peacefully through diplomacy and we will continue to work that way. All options, of course, are always on the table for any president, but by working with these countries, we can resolve this.

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North Korea Tuesday, accused Washington of plotting an invasion. President Bush says he believes this is a diplomatic showdown that can be resolved peacefully.

North Korea says it is restarting two nuclear reactors to generate electricity after the United States cut off fuel shipments to protest the resumption of its nuclear weapons program.

(SIGNED)

NEB/SS/RH