U.S. goes for MTCR in resolving N.K. missile issue

The United States, during missile talks with North Korea held Nov. 1-3 in Kuala Lumpur, has proposed to North Korea a ban on export of missiles with 300-kilometer range and 500-kilogram payloads, according to the Missile Technology Control Regime(MTCR) policy, it was reported Nov. 5.

"The U.S. proposed that the ultimate solution of the North's missile development must be reached through the adoption of the MTCR policy or through the membership to the MTCR," a foreign diplomatic source in Seoul said. "The U.S. spent a great deal of time explaining the MTCR to the North Korean diplomats. On the other hand, the North stood its ground and called for the resolution concerning the economic compensation for their discontinuation."

In response to the North's request, the United States offered indirect financial support through development loans or private investments through international economic organization and reiterated the necessity of reaching a prior resolution of the missile crisis through internationally accepted curtailment policies such as the one offered by the MTCR.

"For North Korea, which earns the needed foreign currency through the export of missiles to accept the missile curtailment policies of the MTCR, it might be nearly impossible without a guarantee of financial compensation first," an expert observer said. "Although the degree of curtailment discussed at the meeting might not be known, the fact that the U.S. discussed in detail concerning the MTCR reveals that the U.S. desires to reach a solution for both the missile crisis and proposed visit by U.S. President Bill Clinton to North Korea."

Meanwhile, even should North Korea comply with the MTCR policy, as North Korea already has succeeded in developing a missile with a range of 300 kilometers, many expect a bit of contention during the missile talks between South Korea and United States in connection with the asymmetric development for South Korea, which currently has the capability to manufacture missiles with a 180-kilometer range.

Boo Hyung-Kwon bookum90@donga.com