The White House on Tuesday denied reports that the United States is considering to offer a formal non-aggression pledge to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in exchange for the latter's dismantling of its nuclear programs.

"I disagree with that characterization. That is not something that is happening," McClellan said at a news briefing, referring to a report by the Washington Post on Tuesday.

The Post reported that Bush administration officials are considering granting DPRK formal guarantees it will not come under US attack as part of a verifiable dismantlement of its nuclear facilities.

Speaking to reporters earlier Tuesday, McClellan described the report as inaccurate. "Our position remains the same," he stressed

"We still continue to seek a diplomatic solution working with the countries in the neighborhood," McClellan said, but adding that "all options of course remain on the table."

Such remarks are usually interpreted as Washington's refusal to give up military options.

McClellan also reiterated US position to press for "multilateral talks" on DPRK's nuclear issue, saying that progress on "key issues" can be made if talks are held on multilateral basis.

(Xinhua News Agency July 23, 2003)