Second Six-Way Talks in Early December

Asahi shimbun reported on October 27 that U.S’ and North Korea’s government officials concerned are in discussion for the agreement to have a second round of six-way talks in Beijing, China in early December.

It conveyed that Straub, an official of U.S. Department of State in charge of Korea, met with Han Seong-ryeol, an assistant ambassador of North Korea U.N. delegate, on October 24 in New York, quoting a well-informed person from each country.

The U.S side allegedly explained the security assurances of North Korea, which was declared by President Bush, at that meeting, and the North Korean side asked detailed explanation showing interest. Asahi newspaper also reported that a Foreign Ministry spokesman of North Korea showed intention to consider “written security assurances” provided by President Bush and analyzed that such a positive reaction means that North Korea won’t be adhered to a non-aggression pact.

Hun-Joo Cho hanscho@donga.com