U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Monday that the United States hopes to improve relations with the people of North Korea in the wake of the death of Kim Jong Il. Speaking during a press conference, Clinton said that the U.S. was “deeply concerned” about the well-being of the North Korean people in light of recent events there.
Clinton was speaking at a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Koichiro Gemba. Both countries, Clinton said, "share a common interest in a peaceful and stable transition in North Korea, as well as in ensuring regional peace and stability."