[imText1]The U.S. and North Korea begins talks on the normalization of relations on the 5th (local time), as many question whether or not the two parties will be able to normalize and reach an ultimatum on the dismantle of North Korea’s nuclear weapons.
In a telephone conversation with the DailyNK, Professor Kim Sung Han at the Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security said “It is significant to note that the U.S.-North Korea working group is meeting in one location under the concept of normalizing relations” and predicted, “Discussions on normalizing relations must be set on the overall framework of peace keeping. We will be able to predict the probability of success only after the initial 60 day period set for preliminary measures set by the Feb 13 Agreement.”
Professor Kim said “While appeasing North Korea, the U.S. will test an array of talks and in the process attempt to lure North Korea to dismantle the nukes” and added “However, it is difficult to decipher whether or not it (the working group) will have a conclusive affect on North Korea abolishing its nukes, and incite radical change to the normalization of relationships.”
Further, he commented “Even within the U.S., there is a diverse range of opinion regarding the Feb 13 Agreement” and said “The normalization of relationships will be even harder due to hard-liners who criticize that the framework of the normalization of relations, removal as a terror supporting nation and release of economic sanctions that prohibit trade with hostile nations, as being enveloped by North Korea.”
Professor Nam Man Kwon, responsible for the research department at the Korea Institute for Defense Studies said “Though the U.S. has turned a complete circle to demonstrate some sort of progress to the resolution of North Korea’s nukes, it will be rather difficult to successfully lead the dismantle of North Korea’s nuclear weapons” and analyzed “Many figures from the Bush Administration have a misunderstanding about North Korea surrendering its nuclear weapons. In the end, this is what will affect the unsettled agreement.”
He said “The axle of U.S.’ unprecedented North Korea policy can be affirmed as an inducement for the dismantlement of North Korea’s nukes” and added, “However, it is unlikely that North Korea will surrender its nukes for merely economic aid and system prolongation.”
Further, he urged “North Korea did not develop nuclear weapons for foreign aid. The nuclear weapons will not be abandoned because North Korea developed the nukes as the united front strategy.
Hong Hyong Ik, a research fellow at Sejong Institute said “In order to normalization U.S.-North Korea relations, viable measures regarding North Korea dismantling its nukes has to be made” and evoked that “Normalization of relations is viable since it is North Korea’s last goal, but it is unlikely that the U.S. will rush things.”
“Though the U.S. attempted to skillfully reform conciliating measures according to changes in North Korea’s attitude, strategically this is not long-term change” said researcher Hong adding that “The U.S. is using this opportunity to analyze ways to ease pressures on North Korea and will attempt to advance a result with the dismantle of North Korea’s nukes.”
On another note, many experts are divided on the issue of HEU (high-enriched uranium) and to what extent this issue will have on the normalization of U.S.-North Korea relations talks.
Professor Kim Sung Han commented “Though member nations of the six party talks argue that HEU must be included in the list of North Korea’s nuclear materials to report, North Korea does not agree to this” and prospected “The resolution of HEU will arise as a difficult topic of discussion at the Sept 19 Joint Statement which was drafted to eradicate the North’s nukes.”
On the other hand, Professor Hong said “If the U.S. continues to demonstrate esteem for North Korea’s positions, it is possible that HEU issue will be resolved” and added “It is likely that North Korea will participate in measures that freezes its nuclear facilities in accordance with President Bush’s reform of North Korea policy.”
