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Hill calls on U.N. members to abide by N.K. security resolution
Christopher Hill, the top U.S. envoy to the six-party talks on North Korea’s nuclear program, told reporters that all U.N. member countries should abide by the terms of the U.N. Security Council resolution condemning North Korea’s missile tests. Returning to the U.S. after his stop in Seoul, Hill also told reporters at Incheon International Airport that the North’s failure to implement the September 19, 2005 joint statement is a problem. The statement, signed at the penultimate six-party meeting, allows the isolated country to gain economic aid and security guarantees in return for its abandonment of nuclear programs. North Korea conducted a test of seven multi-range missiles on July 5, local time. The U.N. council signed the resolution into being on July 15. Hill left for the United States after completing his visit of three partners in the six-party talks - Japan, China, and South Korea. Before his trip to China, Hill had reportedly attempted to meet with his North Korean counterparts, but there was no reply from Pyongyang regarding his proposal.Hill’s remarks are seen as a sign of disappointment with the North, as well as a questioning of the efficacy of the six-party talks in dealing with its nuclear issue. Experts say that Hill’s remarks could throw more weight behind hard-liners in Washington, who see the multilateral talks as ineffective. Particularly, Hill’s mention of the U.N resolution seems to be designed to brace for a worsening situation, perhaps from an additional provocative move by the North. Experts predict the U.S. will make tougher moves should the communist nation conducts a nuclear test or launches an additional missile. "If the North does not return to the six-party talks, there will be no way to block unfolding developments from the U.N.’s resolution," a high-ranking Seoul official said on condition of anonymity. He said the U.S. will not turn down an offer from the North for a dialogue, but admitted that officials in Washington currently are feeling frustrated with the communist country and such pessimism will mount down the road. Before embarking upon his tour of the Asian nations, Hill hinted at a possible meeting with his North Korean counterpart but there was no response from the North, sources said. Experts see the lack of response from Pyongyang as the rejection of a proposal to have bilateral talks. Experts say this development would negatively affect Washington’s future stance in dealing with the North. As for Hill’s proposal to hold a multilateral meeting with six-party talks partners, a high-ranking Seoul official expressed pessimism, saying that such a meeting would not likely produce any breakthrough. He said that the top priority is to resume the stalled six-party talks.
