Han Sung-ryul of North Korea and Richardson of America Had an Unofficial Meeting

Two North Korean diplomats, including the Associate Ambassador of the North Korean Mission to the United Nation, Han Sung-ryul, under the approval of the US Department of State, visited the State Capitol of New Mexico Santa Fe in the evening on the 9th (local time) and met an expert of North Korea in America, the Governor Bill Richardson.

During the meeting, which was taken place by the request of North Korea, the Governor Richardson conveyed the standpoint of the US Government that it would talk to North Korea but would not negotiate with her, and he confirmed that America had no intention to attack North Korea. However, it was not immediately confirmed that what was the message that North Korea conveyed to the Governor Richardson.

The American media including the CNN reported that the Governor Richardson had contacted with the George W. Bush Administration before accepting the North Korean delegation at the official residence that day, and he said the Bush administration was cooperative on this matter.

The White House Spokesman Ari Fleischer announced the meeting of Han Sung-ryul and Richardson and answered to the question of reporters whether this meeting would ease the tension between North Korea and America, “I would not say that.” And he also said, “I do not know what North Korea tries to convey to the Governor Richardson and what we want from the Governor Richardson is for him to convey the standpoint of America that we will talk to North Korea but will not negotiate.”

The Governor Richardson and the Associate Ambassador Han are planning to meet again on the 10th.

The Associate Ambassador Han got an approval of the US Department of State to leave New York, where the North Korean Mission is located, and to visit New Mexico.

Ki-Heung Han eligius@donga.com