Kerry Shows Intention for Bilateral Negotiations with North Korea

U.S. Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry on August 2 said that he will negotiate with North Korea directly as part of the six-way talks while continuing with the dialogues to end the North Korean nuclear program if he takes office.

He pointed out in a policy report titled “Our Plan for the U.S.” revealed this day that, “The North Korean nuclear crisis became more serious while the George W. Bush administration concentrated on Iraq, and it was reported that North Korea produced enough new materials to make six to nine nuclear bombs.”

He also added, “I’ll try to come to a comprehensive agreement to end the North Korean nuclear program completely, irrevocably, and verifiably.”

In regard to the U.S.-South Korean relationship, he said, “I’ll actively work for a better relationship to advance cooperation with the South, a historical ally in the matter of economy and security.”

The report also emphasized, “We should show strong leadership to stop the North Korean nuclear program and to prevent some places such as Iran from developing nuclear weapons. North Korea used to sell ballistic missiles and technology in the past.”

Soon-Taek Kwon maypole@donga.com