英语新闻阅读：美国防长帕内塔说朝鲜仍是威胁

英语自学网

　　U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says he is "skeptical" about the
outcome of the latest round of direct U.S. talks with North Korea aimed at
resuming stalled nuclear disarmament negotiations.
        　　Panetta expressed his reservations to reporters Thursday after holding
talks with South Korean officials in Seoul. He said Pyongyang remains "a serious
threat" by engaging in provocations "that target innocent lives," and in its
continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in defiance of the international
community.
        　　Panetta's comments came hours after U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt
Campbell told reporters in Seoul progress was made in the recent talks, but
added "there were no breakthroughs."
        　　Campbell made an unannounced stop in Seoul to brief his counterparts on the
second round of direct talks between American and North Korean officials in
Geneva.