Replies

Kerry: What I've seen work in al lthe years I've been here is the kind of deal you're willing to make. If you've seen the US attack Iraq, WMD didn't exist, pre-emptive strategy of regime change, producing own bunker buster weapons, you'd perceive a threat. That's what drove the Cold War and escalate. In every case, except two weapons systems, to develop a nuclear breakthrough first until ultimately Reagan, conservative president, we reversed.

We're stuck and a lot of us feel deeply that the 6 party talks were never real and never a way to achieve goal.

Chair: We've been generous with time.

Bolton: The effort made is to give NK the opportunity to make the choice to come out of its isolation and give up nuclear weapons programs and enjoy the life S Korea enjoys.

There's a great map, Senator, I'd share with you - S Korea is filled iwth light.

Kerry: I know what a terrible regime it is. I know that.
3 years ago, the NK were casting about here in Washington, who do we talk to. They were looking for a deal. And the admin. just blanked them. Then we get to 6 party talks and evolutions since then so with all due respect, there's a different course and it's important to lay it out there.

Bolton: We have.

Kerry: On 1559, on Hezbollah, that wasn't a priority fo rthe last year.

Bolton: I disagree.

Kerry: Did you put it on the front burner agenda.

Bolton: I turn you to my earlier statement and presidential actions - the Harriera assassination. The issue of Lebanon in general is the best example of US cooperation with France that we've had in years.

Kerry: Again, we can debate and we won't here so what the heck.

(In other words, Kerry gives up).

Hearing closed.