Seoul Hopes KEDO Project to Continue
2003-06-25
Despite the growing international pressure on North Korea over its suspected nuclear weapons program, South Korea wants to continue the Korean Peninsula Energy Development (KEDO) Project for the construction of two light water reactors in the North.
“It is 'desirable' to continue the KEDO project notwithstanding the tension over the North Korean nuclear issue,” a Cheong Wa Dae official said on Tuesday on condition of anonymity.
“If the U.S. does not provide key components for the reactors, the construction will inevitably come to a halt. However, we hope the works will go on without suspension,” the official added.
Reports have it that the construction works in North Korea could collapse around August due in part to the suspended provision of key components from the United States.
“Concerned nations are talking about the possible suspension of the project, but we have yet to reach a final decision on that,” the official said.
The official, however, denied the reported rift over the matter between South Korean, U.S. and Japanese board members of the KEDO, saying there is no major difference of views.
The North has been fiercely resisting the growing pressure from Washington and Tokyo, threatening to take reciprocal countermeasures.
The official said South Korea is not opposed to the U.S. move to prod the U.N. Security Council to adopt a presidential statement against the North's nuclear development.
“Officially, we are not objecting the U.S. initiative. We are just fine-tuning the timing of the action with partner nations,” the official said.
The U.S. reiterated Monday its intent to seek a presidential statement from the U.N. Security Council over the North Korean nuclear issue.
“We have looked for the U.N. Security Council to take steps to demonstrate the international community's concern with the nuclear weapons program that is being pursued by North Korea,”Philip T. Reeker, deputy spokesman for the State Department, said.
“One of the possible ways forward we have looked at is a presidential statement. That is a format through which the U.N. Security Council can make a statement that expresses the views of the Security Council on behalf of the international community,” he added.
Source : www.korea.net
