U.S. Offers North Peace for Nukes

On November 19, the White House stated, “If North Korea renounces its nuclear weapons and further nuclear ambitions, the U.S is willing to take corresponding measures, including official ending of the Korean War.”

White House Press Secretary Tony Snow was addressing the outcome of the summit with South Korea, which materialized on the sidelines of the APEC summit talks held in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Snow said, “In exchange for North Korea’s nuclear renouncement, the U.S has a lot of options, including declaring the end of the Korean War as well as strengthening ties in economic, culture and educational fields. The Korean government will be convinced (of our policy direction).”

He added, “When President George W. Bush explained ways to settle economic (such as food shortage problems) and humanitarian issues of North Korea during the summit, President Roh Moo-hyun listened with delight.”

The New York Times reported that whereas President Bush had a “warm” talk with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, but had a “frosty” talk with President Roh.

Because the U.S. expressed its desire to declare a formal end to the Korean War, the discussion to sign a peace treaty is likely to begin at the six-party talks, which is likely to resume at the end of this year.

The U.S on behalf of the combined UN forces, North Korea and China concluded a ceasefire in 1953, but an agreement officially ending the war was not signed, and the two Koreas are still technically “at war.”

The New York Times reported that President Bush and his aides demonstrated their willingness to provide new incentives for North Korea if North Korea dismantles its nuclear weapons and technology.

However, the new incentives will only be provided after North Korea returns to the six party talks and agrees to partially disarm its nuclear development equipment, the New York Times said.

The five members of the six party talks except North Korea, reportedly are discussing incentive plans, which will have an immediate effect since signing a peace agreement and joining a trade organization in stages will not guarantee North Korea will dismiss its nuclear programs overnight.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill will visit China during this week to discuss the resumption of the six-party talks, according to Reuters.

srkim@donga.com