Posted October. 18, 2002 22:48,
The world is expressing deep concern over North Korea`s nuclear weapons development program. The US believes that North Korea possessed nuclear weapons and demanded that North Korea discard its nuclear weapons program. The European Union(EU) suggested that it might put a halt to the light water project. Japan is reported to demand that North Korea stop developing nuclear weapons as a precondition of the normalization of diplomatic ties. These moves shows the global determination that North Korea should bring an end to its nuclear weapons program since its nuclear arsenal poses a grave threat to the world security.
The current situation is quite similar to that in 1994, when North Korea provoked a nuclear crisis. But unlike in 1994, it is fortunate that South and North Korea keep the dialogue channel wide open. Against this backdrop, all eyes are on the ministerial talks between two Korean to be held from today in Pyeongyang. The collaboration with the US is a necessity, but most of all, the government should make the most of the opportunity to talk with North Korea.
The government should express its firm resolve to deliver the global concern to North Korea and to solve the nuclear problem. The government should also urge North Korea to clarify what the `more powerful things` are. It is desirable that the US decided to seek a peaceful solution. But the government should stress the need for an adequate reply from North Korea in order to find a clue to the solution.
North Korea may not be amiable. Thus, South Korean delegates should be determined to walk away from the negotiation table if necessary. Since the nuclear issue is directly linked to the fate of the nation the delegation should not take the issue lightly for fear of the failure of the talks.
If any, the government tries to skate over the issue, the government will have to face the stern judgment of the public. The public still remember that the government was too soft on North Korea in the process of demanding North Korea due apology for the naval clash in the West Sea. The public is watching to see if the government takes the right step for a right solution to the North Korea nuclear issue.