[Editorial] Inter-Korean Summit controversy shows Lee administration remains on periphery

Posted on : 2009-10-20 12:17 KST Modified on : 2009-10-20 12:17 KST

Turbulence has been felt between South Korea and the U.S. in the wake of U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Wallace Gregson’s statement that Kim Jong-il had invited President Lee Myung-bak to Pyongyang. When Gregson made this comment during his statement confirming U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ travel plans to South Korea and Japan, the Cheong Wa Dae (the presidential office in South Korea or Blue House) immediately issued a denial and called it a misunderstanding on the part of the U.S. The White House brought the commotion over the Pentagon briefing to an end yesterday, four days after the comment was issued, in a statement that confirmed there had been a misunderstanding.

Still, talk continues. First, we cannot readily believe that there could have a “misunderstanding” between South Korea and the U.S about so sensitive a topic as an inter-Korean summit. Regardless of how insignificant the item may seem, both countries closely share information about North Korea. Therefore, even if there was a misunderstanding, a significant problem still remains. Although the Lee administration has from the very beginning stressed its dedication to strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance, this incident shows there is discord between the two regarding information and judgment. When one considers the thorny war of words during President Lee’s proposed “Grand Bargain,” of which Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell said he knew nothing of the proposal, prompting President Lee to respond that nobody cared that Campbell had not been informed, there is an aspect to this diplomatic situation that makes it difficult to simply pass off as a minor error in communication.

Aside from this, the incident highlights once again the Lee administration’s passivity towards improving inter-Korean relations, and that the administration is going in the opposite direction of the U.S. and China, which are driving the dialogue phase for the North Korea nuclear issue. Even if the Gregson’s comment began as a misunderstanding, it is still sufficient in demonstrating the U.S. position, which positively views North Korea’s will to improve inter-Korean relations. The U.S. government also appears to believe North Korea’s intention of improving inter-Korean relations, a sentiment that was conveyed by Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao, who said in Oct. 10’s second trilateral leaders’ meeting of China, Japan and South Korea in Beijing that this was the strongest feeling he felt during his visit to North Korea.

In comparison, while the Lee administration says it is willing to hold a summit anytime, anywhere and under any condition, it continues to affix the precondition that North Korea must decide to abandon its nuclear program. It is time for the Lee administration to decide whether it will be left in the cold by clinging to the argument that North Korea should first give up its nuclear program, a position that does not account for recent changes in the surrounding geopolitical situation, or whether it wants to assume a leading role in the dialogue phase by improving its relationship with North Korea. It is better to lead talks now rather than being forced into talks later.

Please direct questions or comments to [englishhani@hani.co.kr]

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