U.S. President George Bush (file photo) (epa)
July 7, 2006 -- U.S. President George W. Bush said today he was pursuing diplomatic efforts to contain North Korea, even if the process was "slow and cumbersome."
Bush also urged the UN Security Council to send a "clear message" to Pyongyang that the world condemns its recent missile launches.
Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton said a binding draft resolution cosponsored by Britain, France, Japan, and the United States would be formally submitted to the Security Council later in the day.
Bolton said the text calls for sanctions against North Korea.
Veto-wielding China and Russia have expressed deep concern over the launch of the missiles, but have resisted moves to punish Pyongyang with sanctions or other tough measures.
(AP, AFP, Reuters)