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S-N Talks Continue on NK Nuclear Issue

2003-07-12

South and North Korea on Friday (July 11) made a last-ditch effort to produce a solution to the nuclear standoff at the 11th ministerial talks underway in the nation's capital.

Minister of Unification Jeong Se-hyun and his North Korean counterpart Kim Ryong-song were in the final round of talks at the Shilla Hotel in downtown Seoul.

Before the Cabinet-level meeting, senior officials from both sides had a one-hour meeting in the morning to find middle ground.

During the meeting, Seoul officials said the North should not take another step forward to aggravate the current nuclear crisis and should comply with the invitation to five-way talks, as "the international society, including the U.S., will not accept North Korea's position any further."

The South also pointed to the 11 nations meeting in Brisbane as an example of the situation. The 11 countries involved endorsed plans to conduct a joint military exercise in September, essentially aimed at dealing with North Korea's trading of weapons and drugs.

However, the North Koreans held strong to its stance. They blamed the U.S. for its initiatives, such as the naval blockade, the United Nations Security Council's resolution and reinforcement of U.S. Forces Korea, which it said could lead to war. They demanded the South distance itself from the U.S.' moves.

"No progress has been made yet. We have to wait for the outcome of the ministerial talks," said Han Sang-il, spokesperson of the Ministry of Unification.

Concerning a second inter-Korean defense minister meeting, the South insisted on an early hosting, citing the volatile situation on the peninsula. But the North declined the suggestion and blamed the South for branding the North as the "main enemy" in its military educational text.

They also consulted on the separated family reunions in September, halt of mutual slander and inter-Korean cooperation for a Liberation Day festival.

The two sides plan to announce a joint statement before the Northerners leave for Pyongyang this morning.

Meanwhile, Rep. Chung Hyung-keun at the Grand National Party yesterday claimed that another North Korean delegation is currently in Seoul to consult on Kim Jong-il's return visit before the general elections next year. A government official denied the allegation.

Source : www.korea.net