[Editorial] Using Imjin River talks to shift N.Korea policy

Posted on : 2009-10-14 11:20 KST Modified on : 2009-10-14 11:20 KST

This week, a group of meetings is scheduled between South Korean and North Korean authorities. They have agreed to hold working-level talks in Kaesong on Wednesday in order to prevent a reoccurrence of the Imjin River flood disaster, and a Red Cross working-level meeting on Friday. Apart from the Red Cross talks, where matters such as reunions for separated families during the Chuseok holiday and humanitarian aid to North Korea were discussed, this is the first time in over three months that authorities from the two countries have met directly. The third working-level talk in July to discuss issues pertaining to economic collaboration on the Kaesong Industrial Complex represents the last time the two countries met. This is the first positive news in some time for people concerned that North Korea’s relations with the U.S. and China are advancing ahead of its relations with South Korea.

When South Korea proposed these talks and a schedule, North Korea accepted immediately without modifications. This is another indication of North Korea’s active determination to improve inter-Korean relations that has been sustained continuously ever since the mourning delegation’s visit to pay their respects at the memorial service of late President Kim Dae-jung in Aug. It also coincides with Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao’s statement at the second trilateral leaders’ meeting of China, South Korea and Japan on Saturday, when he remarked that North Korea’s intent to improve inter-Korean relations was the strongest sense he felt during his visit to North Korea.

On the other hand, although South Korea first proposed the dialogue, it still appears visibly reluctant in terms of the meeting’s timing. One cannot erase the sense that authorities waited and failed to take action following the Imjin River flood disaster, when talk was rife about the need for inter-Korean dialogue to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, and were only compelled to take action after China’s strong urging to engage in dialogue. The status and level of the dialogue also appear to be merely working-level and casual, in contrast to the actions of North Korea, the U.S. and China, which are taking the first steps in the broader scheme of things toward a solution for the North Korean nuclear issue through dialogue.

There are important matters to address at the Imjin River talks. Responsibility for the disaster needs to be clearly established, and a plan needs to be set in place so that the same thing does not repeat itself. At the Red Cross talks, it is important that separated family members who do not have long to live be allowed to meet and not be forced to wait for a holiday or special occasion, and that food aid be provided to North Koreans suffering from starvation. North Korea, for its part, should not simply make demands, but give an explanation and express its remorse for its role in the Imjin River disaster.

The matters to discuss, however, should not stop there. As inter-Korean relations remain stagnant, North Korea and China are rapidly growing closer in political and economic terms. While South Korea focuses only on sanctions against North Korea, its ability to make its voice heard on issues related to the Korean Peninsula grows weaker and creates a major crisis. Without improvement in inter-Korean relations, it will be difficult for us to realize any ground to stand on. We hope the Lee administration uses this series of talks as an opportunity to affect a major shift in its North Korea policy.

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