Washington: United States President George W Bush has said "all options are on the table" with regard to the North Korean nuclear issue, but he believes the issue can be solved diplomatically.

"All options are on the table, but I believe we can solve this diplomatically," Bush told reporters on February 7.

"I spoke to (Chinese President) Jiang Zemin today (February 7) about this very subject. And I will continue working diplomatically to convince (North Korean supreme leader) King John-Il that he will be further isolated if he continues to develop a nuclear programme."

Bush said he has discussed the North Korea situation also with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi.

"We will continue to work diplomatically to make it very clear to King Jong-Il that should he expect any aid or help for his people, that he must comply with the world's demand that he not develop a nuclear weapon," Bush said.

Asked about the "threat of a pre-emptive strike" by the US, Bush replied, "No, all options are on the table, of course. But as I said many times, and I still believe this, this will be solved diplomatically. And we will continue to work diplomatically."

PTI