[The U.S.’ North Korean Policy] Current Strategy Released by the White House

“For the time being, the best strategy is to hold the six-nation talks in which the participating countries can together use a carrot and a stick.”

At his office in the White House, an official said this and added, “The only leverage will be military action if U.S. has official direct talks. That is not a good option.”

His reaction was very cautious when asked about the prospect of the North Korea`s nuclear capability and its likelihood of giving it up in the future

-What are the principles of the North Korean policy?

“The changed situation does not mean a change of our basic strategy. Although the U.S. had been ready to talk with North Korea in the past, bilateral talks were not successful. The U.S.-North Agreed Framework was not abided. The only leverage will be military action if U.S. has direct talks with it officially. That is not a good option.”

-What is your ultimate goal and what incentives can you give to North Korea?

“Our ultimate goal is a complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement (CVID). If North Korea executes it, we can talk about ‘the possibility’ to ease its worries. The guarantee of the North Korean regime is possible even at an early point in the negotiation process. Supply of energy will be followed a bit later when tangible progress has made. It is also possible for North Korea to establish diplomatic relationship and conclude peace treaties with the countries concerned, including the U.S. However, the door of nuclear issue must be opened first to reach the goal.”

-Some still doubt that the North might develop nuclear weapons while the talks are going on. What is the U.S.’ position on this?

“North Korea thought it could have other positive things such as better relations with South Korea, support from China, diplomatic normalization with the U.S., as well as nuclear weapons. But the regime cannot have it all. It must make a `either or` choice

The U.S. alone cannot force it to do so. We cannot know the result unless all nations concerned try together. If the North refuses and continues to develop its nuclear program, we should consider ‘other options.’ But this is not yet the time to talk about it.”