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President Lee takes on a moderate response in North Korea policy

In an attempt to assuage criticism that the president is flip-flopping on his stance towards inter-Korean dialogue, the Cheong Wa Dae maintains resolve on PSI

President Lee Myung-bak is recently showing a more prudent stance in his remarks about North Korea and inter-Korean relations. Lee seems to view the latest meeting between the two countries in Kaesong (Gaeseong) on April 21 as the starting point for Inter-Korean dialogue, the first since his inauguration a year ago and amid relations that have soured since North Korea’s rocket launch earlier this month. His aides say he appears to be leaning towards a reconciliatory mood and away from causing provocations from North Korea.

Cheong Wa Dae (the presidential office in South Korea or Blue House) officials and close aides to President Lee said yesterday, “The president instructed related government agencies and ministries to not offend or anger North Korea.” Yesterday, in an attempt to assuage criticism that he and his government have flip-flopped due to influence by North Korea, the Cheong Wa Dae handed out to the media a compilation of President Lee’s remarks to presidential secretaries on North Korea since his inauguration.

The bulk of the commentaries emphasize his will to have a conversation with Pyongyang. The remarks also show that President Lee has maintained a“pragmatic” and “flexible” North Korea policy, exercising a principle of “co-existence and co-prosperity.” His aides dismiss criticism that the President has been keeping a “low profile,” “flip-flopping, ” or has been “swayed by North Korea.” In a remark some say is intended to mitigate criticism by conservatives, the Cheong Wa Dae also indicated while they have decided to delay announcing South Korea’s full participation in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), their decision is firm about joining the U.S.-led anti proliferation drive.

Meanwhile, since the April 21 Kaesong meeting, President Lee has let his unification minister and secretary in charge of diplomacy and security handle matters with North Korea. “From now on, detailed issues will be discussed that necessitates the ministers to take over,” the president said. Another staff indicated that the president made such a move in order to avoid having to take full responsibility if things go from bad to worse.

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