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Pyongyang Willing to Talk Nukes With Seoul

2003-07-11

Kim Ryong-song, head of the North Korean delegation to Seoul, said on Thursday (July 10) that it would deal with its nuclear issue during the ongoing 11th inter-Korean ministerial meeting, signaling a shift in the North's position.

The North has insisted it would discuss the nuclear issue only with the United States, excluding South Korea, while the U.S. demands a multilateral format dialogue.

The change in the North's stance is interpreted as Pyongyang's bid to sound out Seoul's stance on the nuclear issue. North Korea fears the multilateral talks would drive the reclusive nation into a corner surrounded by its opponents of its nuclear development.

During the ministerial meeting, Kim said, "The situation on the Korean peninsula is nearing a dangerous stage on the verge of nuclear warfare. Even if this is not a negotiation between North Korea and the U.S., we can exchange opinions on the subject," hinting that the nuclear issue might top the agenda.

The North Korean cabinet councilor emphasized the North and the South should jointly break through the current situation. "Let's join forces. An old saying has it that even heaven cannot stop us when we join our forces and hearts," he said.

Kim said, "We can respond to dialogue with dialogue and to war with war. But our basic position is to settle the issue through talks."

During the meeting, South Korean Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun demanded the multilateral format talks, requesting North Korean to comply with the international demand for the five-way dialogue.

"We explained to them that the multilateral talks are urgent and will benefit North Korea in the end," Shin Eon-sang, assistant minister for unification policy at the Ministry of Unification and spokesman of the meeting, said.

The North Koreans, however, rejected the suggestion and reaffirmed its stance. They said they would accept any format of talks only after the U.S. lifts pressure on the regime.

The North Korea delegation visited Seoul Tower, a landmark tourist attraction on top of Namsan in central Seoul, after the negotiation.

They will have the second round of talks today and leave for Pyongyang tomorrow via Beijing.

Chon Hyun-joon, researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said, "North Korea cannot help but give into international pressure for the multilateral talks in the end. The problem is how and when. At this crucial juncture, it is critical for them to listen to Seoul's opinion on the matter."

"They want to know whether Seoul will side with Pyongyang at the negotiation table. This meeting could be a good chance for them to find out," Chon added.

Source : www.korea.net