WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kerry released the following statement this morning in response to President Bush’s lift of sanctions against North Korea: 

“Progress on ending North Korea’s nuclear weapons program is always tenuous and remains incomplete. But the regime’s nuclear declaration is the latest reminder that, despite President Bush’s once bellicose rhetoric, engaging our enemies can pay dividends. Historians will long wonder why this Administration did not directly engage North Korea before Pyongyang gathered enough material for several nuclear weapons, tested a nuclear device, and the missiles to deliver them. Now the President must not prematurely close the books on North Korea’s alleged uranium enrichment activities and nuclear exports. We must ensure there are credible verification and monitoring procedures to ensure North Korea is out of the nuclear business for the long term.” 

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