Ministry Blames U.S. for Nuclear Test

Despite the nuclear test of North Korea, the government plans to maintain the engagement policy, Mt. Geumgang tour and Gaesong Industrial Complex project.

A high ranking official of the Ministry of Unification on October 13 asked for a press conference and said, “The nuclear issue is related to the U.S. The blame should not be placed on the engagement policy for the nuclear test.” He criticized the U.S. and expressed the determination to stick to the engagement policy.

On October 9, right after the nuclear test, President Roh said, “Under the current situation it is difficult for the government to maintain the engagement policy,” indicating that the policy to North Korea can be altered.

The official said, “The draft resolution of the U.N. Security Council has no clause to ban Mt. Geumgang tour.”

The government decided to stick to the engagement policy again since the resolution regarding North Korea does not include strong sanctions such as financial sanctions and leaves room for diplomatic solution.

The official said, “We called on the U.S. to have the bilateral talks with North Korea many times. No condition on the form of the dialogue. We focused on the dialogue since we thought that the sanctions would lead to the nuclear test. But the effort failed.” He mentioned the U.S. responsibility for the nuclear test.

taewon_ha@donga.com