New inter-Korean dialogue framework needed

When North Korea beats South Korea, the latter is beaten. If the North hits again, then the South is hit again. When Pyongyang lies about its nuclear weapons, Seoul does nothing because it knows not what to do. When the North suddenly asks for bilateral talks like a robber extorting money, the South accepts the offer as if it waited for it. This, however, should not form the pattern of inter-Korean relations. Though Pyongyang disguises its intentions with words like “between our people” or “humanitarian purposes,” it is clear what the communist regime ultimately wants: dollars, rice and fertilizer. The dollars the South has given to the North have not gone to better the lives of North Koreans but to develop nuclear missiles and fatten the pockets of leader Kim Jong Il, his military, regime, ruling party and the privileged few who suppress their people. No talks proposed by the North have covered denuclearization or peace on the Korean Peninsula.

What the North wants this time is to discuss Red Cross cooperation, tourism around Mount Kumgang, and the Kaesong industrial complex, not about its nuclear program, the sinking of the South Korean naval vessel Cheonan, and the shelling of Yeonpyeong Island, the biggest pending issues between the two Koreas. The North did not budge even an inch in its perspective that it will deal with its security and peace only with the U.S., with the South to simply provide economic assistance. How long will Seoul have to accept this framework of inter-Korean dialogue? If the South accepts this, will the North’s nuclear program be resolved and peace come to the two Koreas? The answer is a resounding no. If Seoul keeps giving just as it did under the previous Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun administrations, Pyongyang will chant “between our people” for a while. Should the aid stop, however, the North will repeat provocations against the South by making all possible excuses. Even under the Kim Dae-jung and Roh administrations, the North tested nuclear weapons, attacked South Korean vessels in the Yellow Sea, and test-fired missiles.

Now is the time to review the framework of inter-Korean talks from the ground up. A situation in which the North belligerently continues nuclear development and kills its people by attacking the Cheonan and Yeonpyeong to the South`s embarrassment cannot be tolerated. Seoul must find loopholes and hold Pyongyang responsible for the attacks, and also take the initiative in creating a dialogue framework covering all inter-Korean affairs. A strategy to change the fundamental framework of the talks is also needed.

Little time is required to reflect on the South’s improper response and the North’s continued offers of talks. In September last year, Pyongyang proposed reunions of separated inter-Korean families 12 days before the Chuseok holidays. The North exploited this as an opportunity to divert attention from the sinking of the Cheonan and ask for much-needed rice aid. Though Seoul might expect Pyongyang to suggest holding family reunions again, it failed to make a preemptive response and was mired by the North’s speed. In other words, the South lost the opportunity to demand regular family reunions.

Seoul only considers whether to respond to the offer under Pyongyang’s framework, and this is a sure-fire losing proposition. The North has made a series of offers in the New Year: a joint editorial on Jan. 1; joint statement by the North Korean government, political parties and organizations Wednesday; a statement issued by the North’s Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland Saturday; and a posting on its propaganda Web site “Uriminzokkiri” Monday. Pyongyang, however, mentioned neither the urgency nor the date or venue of the meeting. Its primary goal is to throw the South into turmoil rather than holding dialogue.

The Lee Myung-bak administration set “Denuclearization, Openness 3000” as the focus of its North Korea policy. Should it stick to the policy, it should talk to the North with the same focus. In the nick of time, Pyongyang proposed unconditional bilateral talks. Seoul must confidently propose a meeting on inter-Korean affairs, including the North’s nuclear program. For dramatic improvement in bilateral relations, a new and courageous effort should be made. The South should not simply hesitate by saying the North lacks sincerity. If Seoul cannot change the communist regime of Kim Jong Il, the same pattern in which the North remains silent if given aid from the South and makes noise if no assistance is granted will repeat itself. If Pyongyang rejects talks on denuclearization, this will show it was insincere in proposing talks. Seoul must respond more offensively to go beyond the pattern of anxiously responding to Pyongyang’s irresponsible proposals, not to mention the Stalinist country’s provocations.