[imText1]While the US reinforces its pressure on North Korea through financial sanctions and human rights, the South Korean government is planning on taking a separate position which will distinguish itself from the U.S. Experts express concern that it will only lead to the reverse effect.
After President Roh expressed his support for unconditional assistance to the North, and for a North-South Summit, Lee Jong Seok, Minister of Unification, said during a radio program on the 12th that “(President Roh’s comment) means that we need to take on a more active role in order to improve the situation.”
Minister Lee said, “President Roh communicated to North Korea that he would not be concerned about the time and place of the North-South Summit. North Korea responded positively, but the date has not yet been set.”
It has been said that a policy to improve relations between the North and South separate from the U.S., has been agreed to. At a high-level official meeting regarding national security, a government official, on the 11th, said, “We cannot leave everything, including the six party talks, in the control of the U.S.”
The government has only expressed concern internally regarding the policy of the U.S., which pressures North Korea, but has never expressed direct criticism. However, while the U.S. imposes economic sanctions on North Korea, communication between the North and South has not noticeably progressed. It seems that the South Korean government has decided to draw a clear line from the US; an attempt to make progress by embracing North Korea.
It seems like the South Korean government thinks that it will be able to gain the trust of North Korea if it embraces North Korea despite conflicting with U.S. policies. tt also seems that the South Korean government is trying to lead the way to solve the problem of North Korean nuclear weapons and peace by taking separate actions.
Regarding such changes, an official at the Ministry of Unification said, “the U.S.-South Korea is relationship is complementary.” However, experts say the negative effects will outweigh the positive. The biggest reason is because it is impossible for South Korea to solve the problem of North Korean nuclear weapons by itself. It might instead end up intensifying the pressure put on North Korea by the U.S.
Professor Yoo of Korea University said, “The South Korean government has announced the policies it has been adhering to, which will only lead to the negative effects of accelerated pressure on North Korea by the U.S”.
Professor Yoo also said, “The U.S. has respected the reconciliation policy of South Korea and has shown that it has been careful in pressuring North Korea, taking South Korea into consideration. However, as the South Korean government has drawn the line, the U.S. will now reinforce its pressure on North Korea.”
Profesor Yoo claimed, “It is problematic that the government has announced its separate policy while the conflict beween South Korea and the U.S. persists. It will not lead to changes in North Korea. The South Korean government should have persuaded the U.S. through various channels, such as Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the NSC”.
Professor Kim Tae Hyo of Sungkyunkwan University, pointed out that “the solution of South Korea is not special.” He added, “Policies regarding North Korea have not succeeded for 12 years, and for that reason, this policy will 100% fail.” He also said, “Uncondiational assistance supported by the government alone only gives justification for the North Korean regime and weakens the alliance between South Korea and the U.S.”
An anonymous expert in international relations said, “there is no solution to the problem of North Korea. North Korea will not give up its nuclear weapons even if the South Korean government provides enormous assistance, and the situation will only be exacerbated if the North Korean regime revives”.
