Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC

NORTH KOREA: "U.S. Urged To Conclude Peace Accord"

Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) commented (9/29): "The United States insists that the north and the south of Korea are parties responsible for the issue of concluding a peace accord, which is instrumental in keeping peace on the Korean peninsula. However, peace accord should be concluded between the DPRK and the U.S., signatories to the Korean Armistice Agreement, stresses Rodong Sinmun today, refuting the 'contention.' The news analyst of the paper says: Whatever the reason, the South Korean authorities can never be a party concerned for the conclusion of peace accord. To replace the KAA with a peace accord is what should be done by the DPRK and the United States. There is no need nor legal and theoretical ground to invite a third party to meddle in this matter. Meanwhile, any of the DPRK and U.S. sides is not obliged to shift its legal obligation and qualification as a party concerned onto other party. It is also the DPRK and the U.S. who have a mandate to conclude a peace accord and implement it in a responsible manner. The U.S. contention is, therefore, nothing but a shameless and meaningless sophism that does not work on the DPRK."

"U.S. Lifts Sanctions: A Good Albeit Belated Development"

Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) offered this comment (9/21): "U.S. President Bill Clinton...formally announced that...the United States would lift a series of economic sanctions imposed upon the DPRK.... Being a step taken by the United States to fulfill its commitments under the DPRK-U.S. agreed framework signed in 1994, it is a good development, though it is not comprehensive and came belatedly. The United States should show good faith by lifting the remaining sanctions against the DPRK so as to make it a comprehensive and substantial measure. Furthermore, if the United States is truly willing to totally drop its hostile policy and improve relations with the DPRK, it should withdraw its forces from South Korea, sign a peace agreement with the DPRK and thus root out the military threat to the DPRK. The DPRK will reciprocate the United States' practical action...[and] improve its relations with it. The DPRK will watch how the United States will practically implement the measure for lifting a series of sanctions."

"U.S. Urged To Show Good Faith"

Pyongyang's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) ran this piece (9/15), which quoted a DPRK foreign ministry statement "denouncing the United States for its recent groundless provocation." It read: "If the United States is truly interested in peace and stability on the Korean peninsula, it should fundamentally rectify its policy to stifle the DPRK, withdraw its forces from South Korea...and root out all threats to the DPRK, including joint military exercises, before urging the DPRK to show an affirmative response. So said a spokesman for the foreign ministry today.... The United States, Japan and South Korea held a 'tripartite summit meeting' on Sept. 12...at which they issued a 'joint press statement' in which the United States talked the nonsense that it hoped a comprehensive and integral stand jointly taken by the [three countries] would provide a precious opportunity of ensuring peace and security on the Korean peninsula.... The United States produced such a statement at a time when high-level U.S.-DPRK negotiations are under way...as an ill-intentioned attempt to avail itself of an international meeting which can easily draw world attention and make the DPRK feel a 'sense of psychological oppression'...in a bid to wrest a sort of concession from it.

"What merits serious attention is the fact that, in the statement, the United States...described the DPRK as a 'wrecker' of the stability on the Korean peninsula, while painting itself as a 'peace champion.' The statement asserted that if the DPRK shows a sign of good faith first, they will reciprocate it. This is no more than sheer sophism...completely falsifying the truth about who is the arch-criminal harassing the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in Northeast Asia.... The United States...asserted that if the DPRK...takes a measure to relax tension and ensure a lasting peace, it will be willing to improve relations with it. This is, in essence, no more than a revelation of their intention to disarm us, according to the spokesman.... This behavior...deepens our mistrust of the United States.... As we have already clarified more than once, when the United States shows good faith, we will reciprocate."

SOUTH KOREA: "Too Early For Optimism"

Seoul National University Professor Paek Jin-hyun wrote in conservative Chosun Ilbo (9/29): "North Korea Foreign Minister Paek Nam-soon recently told the UN General Assembly that his country will suspend missile launches as long as dialogue between the United States and North Korea continues. While nobody is sure how truthful that promise really is, the relationship between Washington and Pyongyang appears to have now moved into a new phase of dialogue. In the midst of all this change, however, we need to pause here and think about whether the change will take us to the end of the Cold War regime on this peninsula, or it is merely part of the North's grand strategy.... As for the North, political and economic issues have always been two separate things, economic relations having no impact on the other. The North has been very clear about it, and we need to remember that. When the North pursues economic assistance, therefore, it is simply because it faces an urgent economic need; it never indicates that Pyongyang has reconsidered its traditional policies.... An accurate reading of reality, not blind optimism, is what we need."

"North Korea's Missile Moratorium"

Top-circulation, conservative Chosun Ilbo held (9/27): "The truth is that the North has no interest in relations with us. We are totally ignored, and it is plainly wrong to expect that the North will somehow respond to us if we consistently pursue a policy of engagement. The kind of peace the United States wants on the Korean Peninsula may be maintained as long as the North continues its policy to 'get close' to the United States. The improved relationship we want with North Korea, however, will never come about under these circumstances. All this leaves us to conclude that we should not foolishly cling to the Sunshine Policy. The truth is that we need to raise our voice."

"Missile Moratorium, The Right Way To Go"

Independent Hankyoreh Shinmun told its readers (9/27): "Finally, North Korea has announced a moratorium on missile launches.... For us, this recent development signifies an important first step toward the giant goal of ridding the Korean Peninsula of a Cold War regime, which we heartily welcome. With the North saying it would refrain from missile launches, we can say that the short-term goals of the Perry recommendations have now been satisfied. We also point out that a framework for better mutual trust is now laid out. Now, we are off to a new, mid-term, goal of stopping the North's nuclear and missile programs for good. Some appear unhappy because dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea is at center stage while the inter-Korean relationship largely has been relegated to the back row. More important is that we continue economic relations with North Korea in order to bring it to the international community. We must be consistent about our policy of engagement toward North Korea."

"Misconceptions By North Korean Foreign Minister"

Business-oriented Joong-Ang Ilbo judged (9/27): "The North's announcement of a missile moratorium deserves to be highly evaluated as an official promise made to the international community. Despite this, we cannot help pointing out two misconceptions we caught in the

remarks made by North Korean Foreign Minister Paik. He wrongly insists that the North seeks to strengthen its military simply because the United States is trying to put the Korean Peninsula under its control. Also he remarked that Seoul's Sunshine Policy is only a tactic to 'absorb' the North into an unwanted form of unification. North-South Korean relations will not move smoothly as long as the North misunderstands our Sunshine Policy to be some sort of dangerous conspiracy."

"On The Way To Fully Stopping A Missile Program"

Moderate Hankook Ilbo had this to say (9/27): "North Korea's announcement of a missile moratorium is an indication that the 'Perry recommendations' have now gone into effect. We welcome the announcement and the accompanying change in attitude by North Korea, and wish in earnest that it be a good starting point toward the realization of peace here. While we hope that the latest development will somehow lead us to rapprochement in the inter-Korean relationship, we at the same time urge the North to leave behind its 'get close to America but still avoid South Korea' strategy. No matter who says what, the core of the Perry recommendations is the Seoul government's policy of engagement. The North's missile moratorium is a small but important beginning."

"Beginning Of The End Of Cold War Regime"

The government-owned Daehan Mail argued (9/27): "Though temporary, the North's missile moratorium, nevertheless, is an important first step toward the end of the Cold War structure currently in place on this peninsula. As a result, a framework has been laid for a full discussion of the 'comprehensive approach' toward the North. It obviously was an expression of formal commitment by the North to the international community that its foreign minister came to the UN General Assembly for the first time in seven years and made that announcement. Now we can say that the first-stage goals of the Perry report have been met. We note once again that peaceful coexistence of the two Koreas should be and is the fundamental goal of the Perry recommendations."

"North Korea's Missile Moratorium"

Conservative Segye Ilbo (9/27) editorialized: "North Korea made a public announcement that it would suspend its missile launches, leaving us to conclude that the United States and North Korea do find ways to settles issue peacefully. The resolution of the missile issue is the third successful settlement this year, following the Geneva Agreement and the Kumkangni issue. With a dispute with the North over weapons of mass destruction now being peacefully resolved, uncertainties about this peninsula have gone down significantly. While 'U.S. plans' made it possible for the North's moratorium to come out, the announcement, nevertheless, indicates that our Sunshine Policy has begun to work. As is true each time the United States and North Korea reach some kind of agreement, we cannot help feeling again this time that inter-Korean relations have been ignored. The Seoul government should make sure that the United States understands that North-South Korea dialogue is as important as the missile issue."

"Conditions For Dismantling The Cold War Structure"

Former Ambassador to the United States Kim Kyong Won wrote in conservative Chosun Ilbo (9/22): "The end to the Cold War on the peninsula is only possible if the Communist regime in the North collapses or if the North voluntarily gives it up. Putting an end to the Cold

War...requires a more fundamental change than a simple reduction of tension. Also, we must be prepared to make huge sacrifices and take risks if we are to lead the wave of changes that will put an end to the Cold War on the peninsula for good. This is an enormous challenge facing us in the cold reality of history."

"Easing Economic Sanctions Is Only A Painkiller"

Senior Researcher Kim Young Yun of the Korea Institute of National Unification opined in conservative Segye Ilbo (9/21): "The easing of economic sanctions will not benefit the North Korean economy much. Expansion of trade and capital assistance will only work as a painkiller for the groaning North Korean economy. We should also lower expectations that this measure will lead to an improvement of the North-South Korean relationship. We should convince North Korea that reform and opening are crucial for North Korea to gain substantial results from the relaxation of sanctions."

"U.S.-DPRK Negotiations Are Separate From North-South Relationship"

Washington correspondent Hong Eun Tack of the moderate Dong-A Ilbo (9/21) observed: "The Berlin agreement and Perry report are based on President Kim's approval of improving the U.S.-DPRK relationship prior to the inter-Korean relationship. The Perry report is not directly related to the inter- Korean relationship. Negotiation on the U.S.-DPRK relationship is not conditional upon the development of North-South dialogue.... However, diplomatic ties between the United States and North Korea will not threaten the power balance on the Korean Peninsula because South Korea has already established ties with Russia and China."

"We Should Take Initiative In Unification Process"

Sogang University Professor Lee Sang Woo wrote in conservative Chosun Ilbo (9/21): "North Korea will do its best to improve its relationship with the United States. The closer U.S.-North Korea relations become, the more remote North-South relations become. South Korea has suffered an enormous political loss by losing the initiative because it overlooked the differences between Korean interests and U.S. national interests."

"China's Reaction To Improved U.S.-DRPK Relationship"

Korea Institute of National Unification Senior Researcher Shin Sang Jin opined in moderate Hankook Ilbo (9/21): "China has a two-faced attitude toward the improved U.S.-DPRK relationship. It welcomes the improvement for the benefit of peace and stability of the region, but it does not support sudden improvement. China will be wary of a dramatic improvement in the U.S.-DPRK relationship because it considers the relationship to be part of a U.S. hegemonic policy to balance China."

"Should Sanctions Against North Korea Be Lifted?"

Conservative Chosun Ilbo editorialized (9/20), "Though limited and partial, the relaxation of economic sanctions against North Korea will have ramifications on the relationship between the United States and North Korea, Japan and North Korea, and on the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The symbolic measure will not give North Korea what it desperately needs right now. It will take time for North Korea to gain practical benefits from the lifting of economic sanctions. North Korea should not overlook South Korea, which can provide wanted material, equipment, technology, and capital at the lowest cost and in the most favorable terms. The Korean government should analyze the international repercussion of improved U.S.- North Korean relations and study its effect on the North-South relationship in the mid-to-long term."

"Economic Cooperation After The Perry Report"

Kim Yon Chol of the Samsung Economic Research Institute wrote in moderate Hankook Ilbo (9/20): "The United States, Korea and Japan should maintain a consistent engagement policy toward the North, however, it is North Korea that can really make a difference. North Korea should come up with reciprocal measures to gain from trade with the United States and make its market attractive to foreign investors. Also, the relaxation of economic sanctions offers opportunities for the North and the South to seek economic cooperation. North Korea and South Korea should create mutually beneficial rules of cooperation."

"The Perry Report"

Conservative Chosun Ilbo opined (9/17): "Now that the Perry report is released, we find its content is not offering anything new.... The real issue for now is how effective the report's recommendations will be. That is already being questioned as America appears to be unsure about a report of recommendations obviously emphatic about 'carrots.'... Set in an excessively optimistic frame, the report leaves the impression that it has not adequately reflected the situation surrounding the Korean peninsula.... One more thing we noticed is that penalties are not sufficiently specified.... The most important of all is the fact that the implementation of the Perry recommendations won't automatically bring about an improvement in relations between the two Koreas."

"The Perry Report: Its Pros And Cons"

Business-oriented Joong-Ang Ilbo ran this editorial (9/16): "The Perry report of recommendations on North Korea were unveiled yesterday, its main theme being the offering of compensation to North Korea in exchange for restricting the North's nuclear and missile programs.... The report recommends a peaceful resolution by way of dialogue, and that is in keeping with our own policy of engagement.... The troubling part, however, is that...it does not specifically say what exactly the United States will offer to the North and what 'sticks' it has in store in case the North refuses to cooperate.... It looks as if the United States and North Korea will have greater dialogue under the plans foreseen in the report, although no greater prospects for increased dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang are apparent."

"What The Perry Report Means"

Government-owned Daehan Mail (9/16) editorialized: "We are paying particular attention to the Perry report...because it will become policy guidelines not only for the United States but for us and Japan, too. Also, there is our expectation that the report may help open up the road to peace on this peninsula.... The direction of the North Korea policy the report draws appears to be in keeping with our own policy.... With the report now released, we are left with expectations that we somehow may find a way to ease tensions on this peninsula and to bring about permanent peace...as long as the three allies--the United States, Japan and South Korea--maintain their solidarity and the North becomes more cooperative."

CHINA: "Trade Ban On DPRK Eased"

Zhang Xia said in the official, English-language China Daily (9/22): "The United States' partial lifting of sanctions on the DPRK highlights a trend towards engagement rather than containment to handle international relations...and is expected to initiate a new and more effective way in developing relations between the two countries.... Will the warming relations between the United States and DPRK mark the beginning of a change of the United States' isolation policy?"

"New Development In South Korea's Policy Toward DPRK"

Chen Juncai said in official Central Legal and Political Commission Legal Daily (Fazhi Ribao, 9/22): "By approving Hyundai company's investment in North Korea, the South Korean government is trying to pull itself out of the passive position and get a higher say in ending the current cold war on the Korean Peninsula."

JAPAN: "Japan's Dilemma Over North Korean Sanctions"

An editorial in business-oriented Nihon Keizai opined (9/26): "Japanese sentiments to the North are more complicated than Americans. First, the alleged kidnappings by North Korean agents of Japanese nationals remain unresolved. Second, the North's suspension of missile testing will be only temporary, not the abandonment of missile development.... It is not certain whether a missile threat from North Korea to Japan will diminish. As long as the alleged kidnapping cases remain unresolved, and as long as there is actually a missile threat from the North, Japan may lose its own diplomatic card in dealing with the North, (if it lifts sanctions). It is only natural that Japan cannot resume full-scale aid, including food, to the North as long as there is no real progress in the kidnapping cases and the missile threat."

"North Korea Must Show Sincerity"

Top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri opined (9/19), "Following high-level U.S.-DPRK talks in Berlin, the USG has announced that it will ease economic sanctions against North Korea. Now, it is North Korea's turn to respond. The Stalinist state must immediately promise the rest of the world that it will forgo its missile testing and translate this promise into action by dismantling the missile launching pad. Former Defense Secretary Perry, current U.S. policy coordinator for North Korea, spelled out the basis of Washington's new approach to the North. In reviewing the United States' North Korea policy, Perry engaged in close consultations with Japan and South Korea. As a result, the new U.S. policy refers to a need to resolve the issue of North Korea's abduction of Japanese nationals--a matter of great concern to the Japanese government and people.

"Whether or not the new U.S. approach proceeds in the direction that Perry intends hinges upon North Korea's reaction to the easing of sanctions. The Republican Party is critical about the Clinton administration's decision, saying the United States is again being trapped in a vicious cycle of North Korean blackmail. Should the North fail to show sincerity, the Clinton administration would come under criticism again for not having acted in a resolute manner towards Pyongyang. The Japanese government, although supportive of the U.S. decision to relax sanctions against North Korea, continues to maintain its cautious stance toward the North. Undoubtedly the government will be unable to end the freeze on Japan's food aid to the North as long as Pyongyang does not give a definite pledge to forgo missile testing and there is no progress on the abduction case."

MACAU: "Significance Of U.S. Decision To Ease Sanctions"

The pro-PRC Macau Daily News featured this analysis (9/22): "Recently, there has been a breakthrough in U.S.-North Korea relations. The U.S. announced that, after 40 years, it would ease its economic sanctions on North Korea. This is not only a repayment to Pyongyang for agreeing to stop testing its long-range missiles temporarily, but it also means that Washington will implement a new North Korea policy. It will be constructive to improve U.S.-North Korea relations on the whole and to establish a peaceful mechanism on the Korean peninsula.... The international media commented that it is risky but historical for the United States to ease part of the sanctions on North Korea. Although it is risky, it is worthwhile because if North Korea can end its cold war and the international isolation policy directed toward it by stopping its missile tests, North Korea will not want to return to the way things were before."

SINGAPORE: "Defanging Pyongyang"

The pro-government Straits Times (9/22) editorial said: "The first steps in the right direction have been taken, with the United States easing trade sanctions in exchange for a pledge from North Korea's Stalinist regime to stop testing, temporarily, the Taepodong II missile.... Even if the deal does not amount to much in practical terms, it clears the way for the impoverished North Koreans to trade in consumer goods and raw materials.... The dilemma has always been the lack of a more effective containment policy to stop the North Koreans from developing their long-range ballistic missiles. Clearly, there are merits in coaxing Pyongyang into a deal that will effectively freeze its nuclear and missile programs.... If the North Koreans stop developing and selling the missiles in exchange for an end to the U.S. embargo and the establishment of diplomatic relations, much would have been achieved to defang them. This will go a long way to defuse tension in the Korean peninsula. The alternative scenario is a dangerous arms race and instability in Northeast Asia.... Both sides can benefit from a new modus vivendi.... By holding back their missile launch, the North Koreans are signalling that they are ready to do another deal. If this leads to a long-term freeze on their missile and nuclear programs, this is a welcome development. Any new moves which lower tension in the Korean peninsula should not be scoffed at."

EUROPE

GERMANY: "Washington's Masterpiece"

Centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich opined (9/20): "Over the weekend, President Clinton lifted the majority of sanctions that were imposed on North Korea. This step is tantamount to an end to the economic state of war between the United States and North Korea. But these sanctions have been suspended only on probation, since, if Pyongyang does not abide by its promises, the sanctions could be easily implemented again. Washington's move is a masterpiece, since, unlike the promise for expensive food aid, the temporary lifting of sanctions does not cost a dollar. North Korea is currently not offering any incentive to U.S. businesspeople.... On the other hand, the gesture is of great symbolic significance since North Korea should now finally realize how serious Washington is about its move. If the North Koreans grasp the hand which Washington has now reached out and are willing to cooperate in a constructive manner, this could quickly result in the establishment of diplomatic relations and a general atmosphere of detente in Korea. If Pyongyang does not take advantage of this opportunity, a new ice age is looming for the peninsula."

"The Berlin Agreement"

Karl Grobe asserted in left-of-center Frankfurter Rundschau (9/16): "The agreement from Berlin means more for Eastern Asia (than for Europe). It could be the beginning of a process of detente to which South Korea's President Kim Dae-jung has persistently dedicated himself by pursuing a policy under the name of Sunshine Policy. Something could follow which North Korea has feared and which it has longed for at the same time: the lifting of trade sanctions, and finally the end of its isolation. If the Berlin Agreement to abandon tests is successful for a long time, one project must be given up...[namely] a Theater Missile Defense (TMD). Countries ranging from Japan to Taiwan have used the North Korean potential of threat as a basis for this project."

BRITAIN: "Deals, Bribes And North Korea"

The independent weekly Economist editorialized (9/17): "After weeks of trading threats, while the world's last Stalinist regime prepared to fire another powerful rocket over the Pacific, America and North Korea at last appear to have each other's negotiating attention. North Korea has agreed--not in so many words, and only temporarily--to put off testing a missile that

could strike not merely all of Japan but also the fringes of the United States.... The bad news is that once again East Asia's most awkward regime has held the region to ransom and expects a pay-off. The better news would be if the missile talks could lead to a broader deal, bringing some stability to a dangerous area of turbulence.... Merely ending rocket testing is not enough. Any comprehensive package worth paying for needs to attend comprehensively to the threat North Korea poses. It is not just that this roguish regime might actually fire its longer-range rockets in anger. Just as important is stopping its missile sales: Iran and Pakistan in particular have been able to build increasingly long range rockets using North Korean technology."

HUNGARY: "Sunshine After Darkness"

Asia expert Edit Zsigovits offered these views in center-right Magyar Nemzet (9/23): "Pyongyang, in the term's Western sense, is gradually letting the sun in after the long, dark Stalinist period. The United States had been restlessly working to make Pyongyang treatable and to get it give up its nuclear plans. These efforts seem to be bearing fruits now. The DPRK has committed itself not to produce and export nuclear arms and Washington, in return, has partially lifted its embargo. A possible family reunion is only a step away from the current relaxation, and it might bring the two countries closer to tearing down the walls [that separate them.] Even a unified Korea is not a dream any more."

MIDDLE EAST

EGYPT: "Dealing With North Korea"

Columnist Abdel Azim Hammad contended in pro-government Al Ahram (9/27): "Whatever the real reason behind North Korea's retreat from escalating the missile crisis, this retraction undoubtedly improved the situation in the Korean peninsula. But, it is certainly not enough to ensure the necessary change in the Korean crisis toward a final peaceful settlement. The U.S. envoy, William Perry, believes that after North Korea lost support following the demise of the USSR and after China established strong relations with the United States, it would have to stop managing its policy in the Korean crisis within the Cold War context. But it will not do so, except gradually and at a price.... But this recipe may not work with North Korea for many reasons, including the ruling family's belief in the need for reuniting Korean territories and belief that South Korea is a mere colony of the Untied States. The concession required from North Korea is to stop thinking that the Korean crisis is between it and the United States, and to admit South Korea's efficiency in representing its people as an independent, responsible state."

SOUTH ASIA

BANGLADESH: "Easing Of U.S. Sanctions"

Pro-government, Bangla-language Ajker Kagoj observed (9/21): "The United States has eased its long-standing economic sanctions against North Korea. It has allowed trade and tourism links with North Korea as Pyongyang has pledged to refrain from long-range missile testing.... We hope that the United States will continue the process and withdraw sanctions completely in phases because North Korea has suffered dearly due to the sanctions that have been in place for forty long years. We also refer to Iraq, Libya and Cuba. Like North Korea, these nations have also been suffering from U.S. sanctions. We hope that good sense will prevail upon the United States and it will withdraw sanctions against these nations also. On the risk of war in the Korean peninsula, we like to say that proper respect must be shown to the demand for reunification of the peninsula. Korean reunification will not only free the region from the risk of war, but also pave the way for a permanent peace. We hope the United States will withdraw its sanctions against North Korea completely and pull back its troops and nuclear weapons from South Korea. North Korea should also move away from the missile testing and contribute to establishing world peace."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

CHILE: "North Korean Missiles"

Conservative, influential newspaper-of-record El Mercurio (9/28) ran this editorial: "U.S. representatives announced that Washington agreed to lower the economic sanctions imposed during the Korean War in exchange for Pyongyang's promise to end, for now, its long-range missile tests.... The threat that North Korea represents for the international community is far from over. Its program can be restarted at any moment.... Washington's strategy can be criticized because it rewards North Korea for suspending a program whose only purpose is to blackmail developed nations."

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9/30/99

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