FM optimistic about 6-way talks revival

Kim Sung-hwan Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan said Wednesday that countries involved in the stalled six-party negotiations over denuclearization in North Korea will likely seek to revive the talks during the current period of political transition.

The forum has not convened since 2008 due to political and military tensions. But recent or upcoming changes within the nations involved ― South Korea, North Korea, the United States, Japan Russia and China ― could motivate another round of consultations.

“Currently, leadership changes are taking place in most of the countries engaged in the six-party talks. If so, I expect that they could hold a new consultation”, said Kim during a television interview.

The remarks came a week after the reelection of U.S. President Barack Obama, which has provided a degree of continuity in dealing with the recalcitrant country.
Washington, employing a tactic dubbed “strategic patience,” wants signs from Pyongyang that it will act in good faith ahead of the talks resuming.

The North angered Washington in April with its failed long-range rocket launch that undermined a food-for-nuclear freeze deal that would have paved the way for resumption of the larger negotiations.

The move squelched an appetite in Washington for engagement with the Kim Jong-un regime. But minister Kim said the evolving political environment “could open the door for dialogue if North Korea takes measures to restore trust.”

Obama also wants the regime to improve ties with the South before any six-way talks, which have been hosted by Beijing.

The South will elect a new leader on Dec. 19th and China will transition to a new president, Xi Jinping, in March. Japan could hold an election next month as well.

Given the complexity of Washington-Beijing relations as Xi leads a new generation into power, Kim said the two Koreas should lead efforts to reduce tension.

“The South and the North should meet each other and resolve issues,” Kim said.

While analysts widely believe that Pyongyang ― jittery from the toppling of authoritarian regimes in the Middle East ― is highly unlikely to relinquish its nuclear weapons program, which includes a uranium-enrichment component.

Satellite imagery suggests that the North is also pushing ahead with the development of long-range missiles. According to analysis by academic website 38 North this week, Pyongyang has conducted at least two tests of large rocket motors since the failed April launch.

“In the aftermath of the U.S. and South Korean presidential elections, Pyongyang may embark on a new round of activities in the first half of 2013, including rocket and nuclear tests that will contribute to the further development of its nuclear deterrent,” it said.

Such concerns push the region towards the stalled forum, seen as the best way to manage the runaway growth of the program and increasing engagement with the regime. <The Korea Times/Kim Young-jin>