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U.S. Proposing Aid in North Korea Talks
The United States proposed on Wednesday that North Korea agree to a series of nuclear disarmament measures over a three-month period in exchange for economic benefits and an easing of its diplomatic isolation. The proposal, unveiled at the start of six-nation talks in China, would ultimately lead to the end of North Korea's nuclear program. It was the most detailed U.S. proposal for bringing about a diplomatic solution to the North Korea nuclear impasse since it surfaced almost two years ago. | I'm hoping this is just more 'engaged apathy.' |
During the three-month "preparatory period," North Korea would disable its nuclear weapons and remove key weapons ingredients. "The permanent and verifiable dismantlement and removal of North Korea's nuclear programs would follow," State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said. During the initial period, the nations in the Beijing talks would be willing "to ease the political and economic isolation of North Korea," according to the U.S. proposal. Outside assistance would focus on deliveries of fuel, particularly from South Korea. No lasting benefits would be provided to North Korea until after the disarmament had been completed, Boucher said. There would be no American assistance until the later stages of the process. | So we don't ante up til they do. |
A shrill North Korean response to the proposal was expected on Thursday, said a senior administration official, asking not to be identified. Under the U.S. proposal, some form of security guarantees also would be offered to give North Korea the confidence that disarmament would not trigger an attack. The senior official described the U.S. proposal as a repackaging of the government's previous stance, mostly to make it more appealing to partners pushing for a more flexible American approach. | 'Engaged apathy' is alive and well. |
Posted by: Steve White 2004-06-24 |
