Politic-Economic-Society-Tech

Putin-Kim meeting should advance U.S.-N. Korea talks 

Relations between the United States and North Korea affect the stability of the whole Asia-Pacific region.

Kim Jong-il, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, met at the Kremlin during Kim's extended tour of Russia. Kim and Putin signed the so-called Moscow Declaration, calling the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty the cornerstone of stability.

Their declaration also emphasized the peaceful nature of North Korea's missile program. And Russia expressed its understanding of North Korea's position on seeking withdrawal of U.S. troops from the Republic of Korea (South Korea). The declaration of the two leaders was clearly intended as an affront to the United States, which has underscored the potential military threat of North Korean missiles in pressing its own missile-defense program.

The administration of U.S. President George W. Bush has conducted a sweeping review of its policy toward the reclusive Stalinist regime of North Korea, emphasizing its nuclear weapons and missile development. But there seems to be no prospect for early resumption of talks between Washington and Pyongyang. American insistence upon reduction of North Korea's conventional forces deployed along the border with South Korea has angered the North Koreans and dampened interest in the discussions.

The Moscow Declaration reflects Kim's interest in emphasizing relations with Russia as part of a diplomatic offensive to counter the Bush administration's hard line on North Korea. As part of the strategy, Kim intends to meet with China's President Jiang Zemin in Pyongyang in September to develop a joint objection to the U.S. missile defense program.

The Democrat-controlled U.S. Congress certainly has a fair number of critics of the missile-defense shield who consider that pursuing it could undermine stability in the Korean Peninsula and do more harm than good to U.S. security interests. Kim seems to be trying to strengthen his hand for future talks with the United States by pressing the Bush administration by strengthening his relationsip with China and Russia on one hand, while promising, as reaffirmed in his meeting with Putin, his pledge to freeze further missile tests until 2003.

The Bush administration is deeply suspicious of the isolated North Korean government, which puts first priority on military strength, despite some hints of willingness to improve relations with the United States. There will undoubtedly be many diplomatic twists and turns before the two nations agree to resume their talks.

Relations between United States and North Korea affect the stability of the whole Asia-Pacific region. Both must understand the broader regional interests at stake and return to the negotiating table as soon as possible, thus advancing Kim's promised visit to Seoul.

Some critics warn of renewed military ties between Russia and North Korea. This concern should be addressed in talks between Washington and Pyongyang or Pyongyang and Seoul. The closer alliance of China, Russia and North Korea has underscored the necessity for four-way talks that involve North Korea and South Korea, China and the United States. Talks among those nations plus Russia and Japan should also be given serious consideration.

Kim's 20-day trek across Russia to Moscow via the Trans-Siberian Railway has demonstrated the stability of Kim's regime.

Many in Russia, however, were inconvenienced by being denied access to railway stations along Kim's route because of tight security and strict limits on media coverage.

With the passing of a decade since the collapse of the Communist regime, the red-carpet treatment Moscow accorded Kim seemed to be a throwback to the Soviet era. Some critics in Russia questioned the wisdom of giving such a tumultuous welcome to a dictator, even though he represents a powerful card Moscow can play in its diplomatic relations with the United States and in Asia.

The friendship treaty signed last year by the leaders of Russia and North Korea pledged to respect the United Nations Charter, which underscores respect for human rights and freedom. If that document means anything, Russia should try harder to persuade Russia to reform and be more open to the rest of the world.



source: The Asahi Shimbun, Aug. 6, 2001