North Korea still a part of the Axis of Evil

In 2002, President George W. Bush branded Iraq, Iran and North Korea part of an "axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world".

In 2008, North Korea agreed to give up its atomic program in exchange for aid. And Monday, White House spokeswoman Dana Perino praised North Korea for its steps.

However, when pressed by a reporter whether President Bush still believed that they were part of the "axis of evil," Perino said North Korea and Iran were still part of it.

"I think that until they give up their nuclear weapons programs completely and verifiably, I think that we would keep them in the same category," she said.

On that note, Condoleezza Rice told is heading off for her first informal meeting with North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui-chun.

[Reuters]