Bill Clinton: “Well, the two were related. I don't think it would ever happen in the absence of the development of nuclear capacity by…”

“Well, the two were related. I don't think it would ever happen in the absence of the development of nuclear capacity by North Korea and some retrenchment by the United States. I want to say again, the United States has no intention at this moment or in the future of weakening its security ties in the Pacific, not to Japan, not to South Korea. We intend to stay engaged, and the security commitments we have given with regard to nuclear and defense issues to Japan are as strong today as they have ever been. And they will so remain. I very much want North Korea to stay in the NPT and to fully comply with all the requirements of doing so. I think it is in the interest of North Korea to do so. I just simply was recognizing the fact that if North Korea did not do that, that would create a lot of difficulty and concern here in Japan. Whatever North Korea does, the United States will honor its commitments to our allies and friends in this region on the nuclear issue and on security issues generally. Prime Minister Miyazawa. For Japan, if the people's Democratic Republic of Korea acquire nuclear weapons and also acquires launch capability, that in itself would be a direct threat. It will be a direct threat for Japan. I'm sure you will understand that. We have, obviously, no intention of producing nuclear weapons, and therefore, we will--and definitely we'd be very concerned if we are to be exposed to that sort of threat. Thank you very much for the press conference.”