Inter-Korean agreement base for talks with JI Kim on detente: Kim

- Presidential address to AEI-CFR members

President Kim Dae-Jung said the non-aggression clause in the basic inter-Korean agreement reached in 1992, rather than a peace treaty, would serve as the basis for future negotiations aimed at detente, adding that he would not seek a peace agreement or peace declaration during North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il`s forthcoming visit to Seoul. Kim told a luncheon meeting of members of the American Enterprise Institute and the Council for Foreign Relations Friday that he would discuss ways of easing inter-Korean tensions but that the question should not be dealt with through a peace accord or a peace declaration. Any peace agreement should be discussed by the four parties to the Korean War -- the two Koreas, the United States and China.

The 1992 agreement on non-aggression called for arms control negotiations, installation of an inter-Korean hotline and continued talks for peace and tension-reduction on the Korean Peninsula. Ways of making use of the accord to promote detente are under study, he said. Kim cited a formula for what he called ``comprehensive reciprocity`` that involves trading assurances by Seoul and Washington of North Korea`s security, adequate economic assistance and help in welcoming North Korea into the international community for North Korea`s pledge to thoroughly abide by the 1994 Agreed Framework, stop the production and export of missiles and abandon military threats against the South.

In view of current realities in North Korea, it would be better to push ahead with comprehensive reciprocity than demand immediate rewards for what South Korea and its allies offer, Kim said, but Seoul and Washington ought to make sure North Korea`s promises are kept. He voiced hope that the Bush administration would take his suggestions into account in devising its North Korea policy.

As to the recent joint summit statement made with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the president said it would have been advisable to leave out the reference to the Anti-ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty. ``It was mentioned not because South Korea objects to the National Missile Defense (NMD) plan and was taking sides with Russia,`` Kim said. ``Russia requested that we voice strong opposition to the NMD but we declined.`` The part of the statement in favor of preserving and strengthening the ABM was construed by many observers to mean objection to the NMD.

In a meeting with Congressional leaders on foreign relations, President Kim asked Washington to take the initiative to resolve the problem of weapons of mass destruction and proposed that it take a pivotal role in inter-Korean discussions on tension reduction, scaling back conventional forces and building mutual confidence in military affairs.

On Thursday evening, Kim exchanged views with the presidents of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank on economic reforms in South Korea and the opening up of North Korea. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) head told Kim a workshop involving the two Koreas, the IMF and the World Bank could be held to explore a development model for the North Korean economy and that his organization might consider dispatching a survey team to North Korea if necessary. Kim agreed that such moves would be a great help to North Korea.

Yun Seung-Mo ysmo@donga.com