The Hindu : North Korea promises flexibility

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 26, 2004

International

International

North Korea promises flexibility

By P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE, FEB. 25. The United States today demanded a comprehensive dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear programmes and its atomic weapons. Even as the U.S. spelt out its maximal demands at the opening session of the second round of six-party talks in Beijing today, North Korea said it would not resile from its principles while being prepared to show flexibility in negotiations. As the host, China emphasised the need to "expand (the) common ground rather than highlight (the) differences'' among the six parties on the DPRK's nuclear-weapons programme.

South Korea, Japan and Russia are the other participants, and the first round of the six-party process was also held in Beijing last August. The Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, said there existed a general consensus that "the concerns of all the parties need to be addressed through coordinated steps''. He was referring to the Chinese perception that he had outlined at the conclusion of the first round last August.

Mr. Wang said: "The second round is of great significance as it launches discussion on substantive issues''. Pointing out that "more difficulties and challenges lay ahead'', he saw this round would identify "specific objectives'' in resolving the nuclear issue and a "study (of) ways to continue the process of talks''.

The chief U.S. delegate, James Kelly, said: "The United States seeks the complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of all of the DPRK's nuclear programmes, both plutonium and uranium-based and weapons''. Recalling the U.S. President, George W. Bush's recent offer, he said: "The United States is prepared to join .. other parties in providing security assurance to the DPRK. President Bush has also made clear that United States has no intention of invading or attacking the DPRK''. While there was no immediate indication about the duration of the present round, the South Korean side indicated that it might be "open-ended'' as of now.

Mr. Kelly's statement has raised the threshold for Pyongyang's compliance, according to regional diplomats and analysts. The accent on weapons is seen as an American response to the DPRK's frequent claims about a possessive nuclear deterrent force.

Mr. Kelly's stand acquires importance in the context of the DPRK's denial of the existence of uranium-based programme following the U.S.-led disclosures of a Pakistan-centred proliferation mafia's links with North Korea.

The DPRK's chief delegate, Kim Kye-gwan, said the round was "an important opportunity'' to fashion "a positive result''. He said the DPRK would not swerve from its principles and would show flexibility.

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