[Editorial] North Should Understand What US, Korea and Japan Really Intend

Yesterday, leaders of South Korea, the United States and Japan came up with a joint proposal for resolving the problems triggered by North Korea`s development of nuclear weapons. It is fortunate that the three leaders voiced in one tone in such a swift manner in the face of a serious security threat. By this, the blueprint for solving North`s nuclear program is set up.

The three leaders demanded that North should abandon its nuclear weapons program based on the enriched uranium in a swift and provable manner. The leaders proposed a solution in a direct manner, rejecting North`s assertion that the United States should first officially promise not to invade it prior to any efforts to deal with the nuclear problem. As they point out, North has violated several international agreements on its nuclear program, creating a serious instability on the Korean Peninsula. Considering this, the response of the leaders was appropriate and, in that respect, we support the response.

At the same time, the leaders demonstrated their will for harmony by promising that they would help North if North shows prompt and visible reactions. Especially, US President George W. Bush confirmed his February statement that he has no intention of attacking North. Thus, all the circumstances demonstrate that the security concerns North Korea has come up with as conditions are just a flimsy excuse for its development of nuclear weapons.

Now, the ball is tossed over to North. Even Chinese President Jiang Zemin emphasized his position against North Korea`s arming itself with nuclear weapons. Therefore, North must understand what the three leaders really intended for and, thereby, stop its anachronistic pursuance. Simultaneously, we do hope that the current situation be turned positively by the benefits offered by the leaders and the unprecedented approach being prepared by President Bush to improve the US-North relations. On the other hand, Kim Dae Jung administration should look back on itself. It has shown too moderate a position against North Korea`s nuclear issue. More than anybody else, President Kim Dae Jung would know why the other two leaders did not put their "support for the Sunshine policy" in the joint statement, a cliché that has always been part of a joint statement during this administration. We know the clock is ticking on him. Nonetheless, President Kim should learn from the lesson this summit teaches, and show a responsible attitude by holding North strictly accountable for what it has violated so far.