U.S. Endorses South Korean Proposal At Six-Way Talks

The US administration announced its endorsement for the 3-phase plan proposed by the South Korean government to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue at the second round of the six-way talks. A high-level US official said the administration has no intention of bringing the issue to the UN Security Council.

The US official said at a press conference in Washington D.C that the administration concluded that the 3-phase resolution is plausible. The South Korean government’s proposal requires that North Korea freeze its nuclear development programs with assurances of complete dismantling of the programs, allow international inspection to begin with some nations providing energy aid to North Korea in return, and finally, earn security guarantees offered by the US administration.

The official said, “Some U.S. politicians expressed their concern and anger over the plan to offer security guarantees and provide energy to North Korea” He added, “But president Bush announced his willingness to provide security guarantees, and we endorsed South Korea’s proposal.” When asked whether the Bush administration is planning to address the issue at the UN Security Council, he said, “It is not under consideration.”

Soon-Taek Kwon maypole@donga.com