“No Reward for Resumption of North-U.S. Dialogue”

The U.S. recently delivered its strict position that there will be no reward for the resumption of the North-U.S. dialogue to the Korean government in advent of the Korea-U.S. summit.

A high-ranking official of the government explained that "While adjusting the agendas for the Korea-U.S. summit talks, the U.S. expressed its position that it will not provide any reward for the North-U.S. dialogue. However, if the North is cooperative in resolving the problem of the weapons of mass destruction, the North may be rewarded."

The North is reportedly expressing its complaints about the level of the dialogue, that is, the `New York Channel` between the North`s delegation to UN in New York and the Korea Bureau in the State Department, comparing with the higher level dialogue during the Clinton`s administration.

The official added that "No new suggestion to invite the North to the table will be made at the Korea-U.S. summit. The U.S. is insisting on reviewing the North Korean aid measures such as food supply in accordance with the progress in the dialogue even after the resumption of the North-U.S. dialogue."

A high-ranking source from Washington D.C. commented on the 13th that "There is no disagreement on the North Korean policies between the U.S. and Korea but there is a difference. While the U.S. as the only super power in the world is observing the North with an international perspective, South Korea is dealing with this situation from a particular local perspective, that is, the division of the Korean Peninsula. The leaders of the two countries will reaffirm the Korea-U.S. alliance and the joint effort for the resolution of the North`s WMD problem."

With regard to the WMD problem, both governments will hold a meeting for the disarmament and non-expansion of military power in Washington D.C. on the 19th to discuss joint countermeasures in detail.

The official also added that "George Bush who visits South Korea for the first time will clarify his intention to resume the dialogue with the North and firm support of the South`s engagement policy."

Cheong Wa Dae announced that President Kim Dae-Jung will have expanded or exclusive meetings with George Bush three time during Bush`s 3 day visit. The political leaders of the ruling and opposition parties including Lee Hoi-Chang, Kim Jong-Pil and the chairpersons of the policy making will participate in the welcoming reception.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Choi Sung-Hong explained to Japan`s ambassador to Korea that the sudden increase of tension in the Korean Peninsula in terms of the North-U.S. dialogue is not recommendable and Japan`s ambassador responded, "Maintaining communication is very important."

Ki-Heung Han ysmo@donga.com · eligius@donga.com