U.s.-north Korea Relations, North Korea | featured news

North Korea announced its intention to launch the satellite in February. Regional powers worry the claim is a cover for the launch of a long-range missile capable of reaching Alaska. National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair said earlier this month that all indications suggest North Korea will in fact launch a satellite.

The United States says North Korea has assured U.S. officials that two detained American reporters will be treated well.

U.S. envoy Stephen Bosworth said Saturday he wanted dialogue with North Korea but also spoke against the communist nation's move to launch a long-range missile, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.

North Korea accused the U.S. military of making provocative moves along the tense border on the divided Korean peninsula, warning Saturday of "unpredictable military conflicts."

The U.S. military is prepared to shoot down a North Korean missile or rocket if President Obama should give the order, the head of the U.S. Pacific Command said Thursday.

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made her strongest comments yet about North Korea Tuesday during her tour of Asia.

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Friday offered North Korea a peace treaty, normal ties and aid if it eliminates its nuclear arms program and stressed her desire to work more cooperatively with China.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton suggested on Tuesday that there could be high-level direct negotiations with North Korea.

North Korea is willing to give up its nuclear weapons if President Barack Obama agrees to conditions imposed by the communist regime, a pro-Pyongyang newspaper said.