Bush on North Korea

Bush says we remain committed to diplomacy, and calls for immediate response from the Security Council. He says NORKs have capability to transfer nuclear materials/technology to Iran and Syria, which would be considered a grave threat to US.

Bill Kristol: "State Department-type address." In other words, more of the same. But initial response to such crises are often more measured. China is key: "Are we going to tell China--at least privately--that this is a priority?" Kristol wants us to ask China to open its borders to North Korean refugees--with us offering to help pay for resettlement. He says Japan also essential. Are we going to back up a more militarized Japan?

Does test come because UN nominated South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-Moon to be UN Secretary General?

John Bolton draws parallel between peace-loving South Korea and its neighbor to the north: "We're working very, very closely with Japan on this."

Dennis Ross: "Iran will be watching very, very closely." Need a response that shows that we're serious. China wants to keep things in bounds, we want to push it as far as possible.

(From TV reports)