The U.S. State Department says the letter President George W. Bush sent to North Korean Leader Kim Jong-il was to show the current nuclear policies are being supported by Washington at the highest-level.

State Department spokesman Tom Casey said in a regular news briefing that the letter indicates the U.S. is serious in its commitment to the nuclear issue and emphasizes the need for a clear, full and complete nuclear program declaration from the North.

The spokesman said the letters, which were also sent to the leaders of all other countries involved in the six-way talks, can be referred to as reinforcing documents, showing the personal attention and support Mr. Bush has for the issue.

Casey confirmed the letters are not negotiating documents.

The spokesman also said the U.S. believes Pyongyang can meet the deadline, December 31st, for its nuclear program declaration, adding it will be a crucial part in negotiating the grounds for the third phase of the country’s nuclear dismantlement process.

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