Fresh from the US-UN Mission:
Ambassador Rice: Good evening. We had a very productive and efficient meeting of the Security Council and consultations. As Ambassador Churkin said, the Council was unanimous in its strong condemnation in opposition to the nuclear test by North Korea. We will now get down to work on a Security Council resolution, which we believe is the appropriate strong response to what was clearly and unequivocally a violation of Security Council Resolution 1718 and international law. We look forward to continuing to work with colleagues in the Council in the spirit of efficiency and partnership and unanimity which was demonstrated today, which I think bodes well for a constructive outcome by the Security Council.
Reporter: … (inaudible) Security Council put together a strong resolution with strong sanctions stipulated in there?
Ambassador Rice: I think as Ambassador Churkin said, what we heard today was swift, clear, unequivocal condemnation and opposition to what occurred. The meeting was brief and everybody spoke and everybody essentially took same view. We are now resolved to work on a resolution, we believe it ought to be a strong resolution, with appropriately strong contents, but obviously unless – until – we have completed the process of negotiating that resolution it would be premature to suggest what those contents would be.
Reporter: What does the U.S. want for sanctions?
Ambassador Rice: The U.S. thinks that this is a grave violation of international law and a threat to regional and international peace and security. Therefore the United States will seek a strong resolution and strong measures.
Reporter: (inaudible)
Ambassador Rice: I would refer you to the President of the Council for that, but I think we all agreed that work on this product will begin tomorrow.
Reporter: In terms of the measures, are you talking about further economic sanctions targeting or general asset freeze…(inaudible) that sort of stepping up?
Ambassador Rice: I think it would be premature to go into any detail about what we are contemplating, what other members of the Council are contemplating. I think the appropriate place for that would be in the process of our consultations.
Thank you.