N Korean missile tests have isolated it: Bush

Responding to the North Korean missile tests, American President George W Bush said the act had internationally isolated Pyongyang and that the US would use diplomacy in its dealings with Pyongyang only through the framework of the six-party talks and not bilaterally.

At a White House press conference with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, Bush said North Korea could join the international community and improve the lot of its people.

"The North Korean government can join the community of nations and improve its lot by acting in concert with those of us who believe that she shouldn't possess nuclear weapons, and by those of us who believe that there's a positive way forward for the North Korean government and her people. In other words, this is a choice they made," Bush said.

"What the firing of these rockets have done is they've isolated themselves further. And that's sad for the people of North Korea. I am deeply concerned about the plight of the people of North Korea. I would hope that the government would agree to verifiably abandon its weapons programmes," the president said.

Asked if he was hoping for a "stronger" response from China, Bush maintained that Beijing "will play -- have played and will continue to play a very important role in the six-party talks. It's my view that the best way to solve this problem diplomatically is for there to be more than one nation speaking to North Korea, more than America voicing our opinions."

It's more effective for them to hear from a group of nations rather than one nation," he said.     

"It's hard to understand his (North Korean Kim Jong II) intentions. It's hard to understand why he would not only fire one missile that failed, but five others. So we're talking with our friends and allies on the subject," Bush added.

The State Department has made it known that Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has been in touch with the foreign ministers of Japan, South Korea, China and Russia.

Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill is also travelling to Asia for a round of meetings.

The Defence Department has made it known that missile interceptors were ready in Alaska and California in case there was any danger to continental United States or allies.