WASHINGTON - US President George W. Bush on Saturday said the world had sent a "clear message" in imposing sanctions against North Korea over its declared nuclear tests.
"It's a unanimous resolution sending a clear message to the leader of North Korea regarding his weapons programs," said Bush, after the Security Council agreed to impose wide-ranging sanctions.
"This action by the United Nations, which was swift and tough, says that we are united in our determination to see to it that the Korean peninsula is nuclear weapons-free.
The US president said North Korea could avoid international isolation and receive US economic assistance if it renounced its nuclear weapons program.
"I have said all along there is a better way forward for North Korea. There is a better way forward for the people of North Korea. If the leader of North Korea were to verifiably end his weapons programs we would help them recover economically," Bush said.
"The message today, however, says to the leader of North Korea that the world is united in our opposition to his nuclear weapons plans."
10/14/2006 20:42 GMT