Seoul Urges NK to Scrap NPT Withdrawal
January 12, 2003 9:41:19
The government Frirday called on North Korea to cancel its declared withdrawal from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) immediately and take steps to resolve the nuclear issue through dialogue.
Foreign Affairs-Trade Ministry spokesman Seok Tong-youn criticized the North in a statement, describing the decision as a grave threat to peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. Seok said the move runs directly counter to the international community's efforts and expectations for nuclear nonproliferation.
``We cannot contain our deep concern and disappointment as the North took the step especially at this time when the South Korean government and international community are exerting all possible efforts toward a diplomatic settlement of North Korea's nuclear issue,'' Seok said.
The government's statement came after senior security-related officials held an emergency meeting of the National Security Council at Chong Wa Dae to tackle the North's sudden declaration. The meeting was chaired by Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun.
This is the second time the government has issued a stern statement in connection with the North Korean nuclear issue since Dec. 27 last year when the North declared it would resume its frozen nuclear activities.
In the statement, Seok vowed the government would continue efforts jointly with relevant nations and organizations, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, to resolve the North Korea nuclear issue peacefully.
Another senior official interpreted the North's move as an expression of its willingness to prompt dialogue with the United States rather than real intention to possess nuclear weapons.
``It shows North Korea wants speedy and comprehensive dialogue with the United States on the one hand and hopes to have the leverage in negotiations by having freer scope of action in attempts to produce nuclear warheads,'' the official said.
