The six-party talks have started in Beijing, and following keynote addresses the full-scale negotiations have begun. There are many differences between North Korea and the United States, but each looks very intent on negotiating, so the prospects are not gloomy.
As expected, the greatest point of contention is the conditions relating to North Korea giving up its nuclear program. The North wants diplomatic relations and mutual trust with the US as well as the removal of a nuclear threat towards it, whereas the US proposes having all nations party to the process guarantee the North's security and give it economic assistance. At least the minimum of a common denominator for negotiation has been established. It is not good to have the US bringing up the issue of missiles and human rights because doing so disrupts the agenda. It is also inappropriate to separate the issue of establishing relations with the North and the six-party process. The North, for its part, needs to make realistic and concrete proposals instead of issuing abstract ones such as that the US give up its hostile policy towards Pyongyang. Another major difference is that the North wants to limit itself to giving up on its nuclear weapons program while the US wants to see it give up all forms of nuclear development.
It is not easy to narrow such differences overnight. In such situations would be effective to first agree on a goal and procedures for arriving at that goal. The goal should be, as proposed by the South Korean government, for the North to give up its nuclear program, then have other nations give it diplomatic relations and security assurances, and provide economic cooperation. Naturally arriving at that needs phase goals and a framework for discussion. It will be important to stick to the principle of "word for word, action for action" at each stage.
The most important thing in having smooth talks will be that the North and the US are ready to simultaneously make strategic decisions, because you cannot resolve the issue at hand by arbitrarily demanding that the other side take action. Needless to say, a guiding role by the South will be important as well.
The Hankyoreh, 28 July 2005.
[Translations by Seoul Selection (PMS)]
[Editorial] Agree on Goals, Process for Six-Party Talks |
