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6-Way Talks on NK Looming as Reality

2003-07-04

U.S. President George W. Bush's mention of Russia's participation in multilateral talks with North Korea on the nuclear programs heightens the possibility that the envisaged five-way talks may be expanded to a six-way format.

Over the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday (July 3), Bush indicated Washington is not against Moscow's joining in the talks.

"It's helpful to be able to cooperate with Russia in dealing with matters of international security," Bush was quoted as saying.

He also said Putin agreed with him that multilateral talks are the best way to dissolve the simmering dispute over the North's nuclear ambitions.

South Korean officials, taking part in a three-way meeting with U.S. and Japanese officials to coordinate North Korean policies in Washington, also voiced support for the six-way talks.

"We also do not oppose Russia's taking part in the talks if the U.S. and North Korea concur on the matter," Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Soo-hyuck said on Thursday.

Seoul, Washington and Tokyo agreed during a meeting in Hawaii last month that the next round of dialogue with North Korea must include at least South Korea and Japan. They opened the door for Russia, which the North believes to be closer to its side, to take part in the talks following the April Beijing meeting between North Korea, the United States and China.

Originally the U.S. opposed Russia's inclusion in the talks on grounds that Moscow's motives in joining the talks are largely economic, trying to use the nuclear issue as a stepping stone to conduct economic projects such as an extension of the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Bush's remarks, coming amid the protracted impasse over the North Korean nukes, could throw vigor into the resumption of multilateral talks North Korea has so far resisted.

Moscow has reiterated its wish to partake in multilateral talks with North Korea. In an interview with Britain's BBC on June 22, Putin volunteered to provide the venue for the next round of talks.

The hope was voiced the next day during a meeting between Russian and Chinese vice foreign ministers held in Moscow, where the Russian side asked for China's support in the matter.

North Korea is expected to favor the six-way talks including Russia to the previously proposed five-way talks if it accepts the multilateral format.

The six-way format may result in a half-half split, with South Korea, the U.S. and Japan forming one cluster against North Korea, China and Russia.

Source : www.korea.net