Reuters Soundbite

DEPUTY SECRETARY STEINBERG: You know, it's up to the North, frankly. I think that there is an opportunity for the North to show that it understands the message that we've all been giving them, which is that it's not going to achieve its objectives through provocation and confrontation. But there is an opportunity for them to show some sincerity and recognition that the provocations of last year, including the attack on the Cheonan and the attack on Yeonpyeong island, put the situation in a very dangerous situation and to demonstrate very concretely that they're prepared to return to their commitments in the 2005 joint statement. I think they understand that, these talks are important. We've always stressed the importance of North-South dialogue as the necessary beginning of this process. So, I hope that the North takes advantage of this opportunity and demonstrates its sincerity. Thank you.