The U.S. government has made it clear that an envisioned bilateral meeting with North Korea will not replace the six-party nuclear negotiations.

A U.S. senior government official says that with the bilateral contact, Washington is aiming to persuade North Korea to take affirmative denuclearization measures in line with the six-party joint statement of September 19th, 2005.

The official said U.S. special envoy for North Korea policy Stephen Bosworth has gathered opinions on the bilateral meeting --- including the schedule, venue and agenda --- from other participants to the six-party talks.

The United States said earlier that the timing and form of the meeting will be announced within two or three weeks.