hankyoreh

By Son Won-je, Staff Writer　
　
Meeting with journalists Sunday, the source said, “Following the second round of inter-Korean denuclearization talks in Beijing on Sept. 21, we now anticipate the possibility of finding common ground between Seoul, Washington, and Pyongyang on ‘preliminary steps toward denuclearization.’”
“Initially, we had predicted a less than 10% chance of the six-party talks resuming within the year, but we see that chance as significantly greater in the wake of the second inter-Korean talks,” the source added. This indicates the possibility that Pyongyang might express its willingness to take preliminary steps toward denuclearization at a second round of talks with Washington, which observers are predicting may take place as early as the beginning of October.
“We had a useful exchange at the inter-Korean talks on the substance of preliminary denuclearization measures, and each side learned what the other wants,” the source said. “There is a good chance North Korea will present its final position during subsequent dialogue with Washington.”
Some observers are predicting Pyongyang will provide Washington with a justification for the six-party talks’ resumption by presenting a qualified declaration of a suspension of its uranium enrichment facilities in Yongbyon, North Pyongan Province.
The source also predicted the possibility of the U.S. making visible moves to supply food aid to North Korea once the latter’s readiness to take preliminary steps toward denuclearization is verified.
　
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