“Korea-U.S.A. Summit, Discussions on NK’s Weapons”

US Ambassador to Korea, Thomas Hubbard (picture) said on the 31st of last month, "North Korea`s situation with regard to weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and with regard to missiles, will be discussed during the Korea-U.S.A. summit conference on February 20."

Hubbard spoke at a breakfast meeting hosted by the Young Korean Academy (chairman Hong Il-Sik), and said that "America will deal with North Korea in a pragmatic way and speak straightforwardly. There will not be any `face- saving` measures."

With regard to President George W. Bush’s warning against WMD in his State of the Union Address, Hubbard also said, "It is from the same old concerns against North Korea’s nuclear and missile development and exports. It was perhaps mentioned to acknowledge North Korea’s threat while the war against terror continues."

However, he added, "The U.S. administration still supports President Kim’s policies, and is willing to resume talks with North Korea without preconditions." South Korean Foreign Minister Han Seung-Su was told that there was no change in U.S. policy against North Korea, which offers `unconditional dialogues`, in a meeting with National Security Adviser Condoleeza Rice.

Jong-Hoon Lee taylor55@donga.com