The United States says it wants a swift, peaceful and diplomatic resolution to North Korea's nuclear standoff.

A senior U.S. official made the comments Thursday while briefing reporters on the agenda of Vice President Dick Cheney's eight-day Asian trip that will take him to South Korea, Japan and China.

Asked whether the United States would provide compensation in return for North Korea's dismantlement of its nuclear weapons program, the official avoided a direct answer, simply saying they'll exert full efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

Cheney departs Friday on what will be only his third foreign trip since taking office a week-long tour of Japan, China and South Korea.

The Washington Post said the trip is designed to cement ties and push for progress in the North Korea nuclear crisis, but the sudden flare-up of violence in Iraq including the seizure of Japanese and South Korean nationals could dominate Cheney's talks with key leaders.

Cheney will arrive in Seoul on April 15th after stops in Tokyo and Beijing.

During his two-day stay here, Cheney will meet with Acting President Goh Kun and other senior government officials as well as U.S. soldiers stationed in Korea.