Talks Among Concerned Parties Implied Multilateral Dialogue

President Roh Moo-hyun, currently making a state visit to China, clarified Wednesday the meaning of the “talks among concerned parties”, referring to the next round of nuclear talks, by saying that “there is a controversy over the possible format of multilateral talks and the next round of nuclear talks should take place in the form of multilateral talks.”

The President held a breakfast meeting with accompanying correspondents at a hotel in Beijing where he is staying during his four-day visit to China. Mr. Roh said: “Talks between concerned parties can be interpreted as talks between North Korea and the US or the two Koreas. However, the term, “talks between concerned parties” was used to mean a multilateral dialogue in the joint statement issued wrapping up the summit talks with Chinese President Hu Jintao, during which we talked about multilateral talks to end the nuclear dispute.”

In addition, he said, “Korean officials wanted the Chinese government to agree to use the wording that “it shared the view on multilateral talks with the South Korean government.” However, we didn`t insist on the use of the wording because we reached a conclusion that it is undesirable to hold onto our demand when our counterpart wants the ambiguity of the wording.”

President Roh delivered a speech to about 500 students at prestigious Chunghwa University in China. In his speech, the president emphasized, “How to engage North Korea in the process of promoting peace and prosperity in the region is an important mutual concern for both Korea and China. North Korea should make a choice taking the path of peace and common prosperity by abandoning its nuclear ambition. There is no country in the international community that believes nuclear weapons will guarantee the future of North Korea.”

President Roh ended his official schedule in Beijing after visiting the Great Wall and a Hyundai auto factory and flew to Shanghai in the afternoon. He toured Waitan and financial development districts in Pudong that represent China`s remarkable economic development. President Roh is scheduled to return to Seoul on July 10 after visiting the building of the Korean government in exile in Shanghai.

Jeong-Hun Kim jnghn@donga.com