"It is our hope that the new leadership of the DPRK (North Korea) will choose to guide their nation onto the path of peace by honouring North Korea's commitments, improving relations with its neighbours, and respecting the rights of its people, " Mrs Clinton said in a statement.

BBC: Kim Jong-il death: US urges 'path of peace'

The question then is, given that they have more influence and closer diplomatic relations with North Korea than any other country on Earth, what are they doing to help guide or encourage North Korea to take a more constructive approach?

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama and President Lee Hold a News Conference