[Analysis] S. Korean negotiator’s comments spell trouble for six-party talks

Posted on : 2008-12-12 13:57 KST Modified on : 2019-10-19 20:29 KST
Kim Sook’s irregular behavior differs greatly from that of his predecessors and reflects the hard-line policies of the Lee administration
 Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs special representative
Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs special representative

“This morning, I’ve come to say good-bye.”

Kim Sook, South Korea’s chief negotiator to the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear issue, made the remark to journalists gathered at the China World Hotel in Beijing on Thursday morning before setting off for the fourth day of negotiations between the six nations. His comment established that the six-party talks would end in failure, even though they had not yet come to a close. When U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill met with the journalists a few minutes later he was told of Kim’s farewell. “Did he say ‘good-bye?’” Hill asked with a look of surprise. He then said he would do the same, only if it became appropriate at the conclusion of this round of talks. The difference in the behavior of the two envoys could be seen as akin to a diplomatic dispute. That afternoon, the South Korean delegation had delayed its return date to Friday afternoon.

In a press conference on Wednesday night, Kim unveiled the details of remarks made by North Korean Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan during the negotiations. His intention was apparently aimed at placing blame on the North should the talks have failed. As a matter of diplomatic protocol, it is customary for negotiators not to speak about specific comments made by his or her counterparts in the middle of negotiations.

In a press conference on Monday night, Kim publicly announced the South would maintain a strict policy of linking the verification agreement to energy assistance and comprehensive economic cooperation.

Kim’s actions differ from the caution displayed by previous chief South Korean envoys since the six-party talks were launched in August 2003. Kim’s predecessors have generally left the room during negotiations, even when the talks were on the brink of failure, saying the talks were “not over yet” and that they wanted to “wait and see” a bit longer.

Kim’s unprecedented actions are related to the negotiating strategy employed by the administration of President Lee Myung-bak, which has taken a firmer stance toward North Korea. However, a veteran journalist working for a foreign media outlet who has extensive experience in covering the six-party talks said, “From Kim, I don’t sense a passion for, or seriousness about, resolving the problems.”

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