YONHAP NEWS:White House says Richardson's meeting with N.K. diplomats could be constructive

YONHAP NEWS:

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 (Yonhap) -- The White House said Friday New Mexico's Gov. Bill Richardson could provide positive input to North Korean nuclear negotiations when he meets Pyongyang's diplomats.

White House press secretary Tony Snow said the governor was not acting in any official capacity.

"But certainly, Gov. Richardson can play a very constructive role in reminding the North Koreans" to return to the six-party talks ready to discuss denuclearization, he said.

"If you take a look at his record, it would be likely that he would be encouraging the North Koreans to abide by the agreements at the six-party talks and to return in good faith," Snow said at the daily briefing.

"The six-party talks resume Monday, and it's important that the North Koreans hear loud and clear what their responsibilities are," he said.