S. Korea urged step up support of anti-proliferation drive

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Yonhap) -- A state-funded think tank advised South Korea on
Thursday to alter its "passive" approach towards a U.S.-led anti-proliferation
campaign, citing a stall in the six-way talks on North Korea's nuclear program.
The Seoul-based Institute of Foreign Affairs and National Security said
Washington's incoming Obama administration will likely bolster the Proliferation
Security Initiative (PSI) to more closely coordinate international efforts on
halting the spread of weapons of mass destruction. The PSI was launched by U.S.
President George W. Bush in 2003
South Korea's role in the PSI is a sensitive geopolitical issue, as North Korea
is a prime target of the campaign. Pyongyang has criticized the initiative,
calling it a product of Washington's hostile policy against North Korea.
"South Korea has taken a passive or lukewarm attitude on the PSI so far, although
it is confronted with proliferation threats by North Korea," the institute said in
a policy suggestion report. "South Korea needs a positive review on its role in
the PSI."
The report calls for South Korea to consider the value and potential outcome of
the PSI, which has 93 full-fledged member countries, especially with the six-way
talks held in a deadlock.
South Korea has participated in the PSI as an observer since 2005 at the request
of the U.S., its key ally. Seoul has limited its role to irregular support for
offshore drilling in an apparent effort to not further antagonize Pyongyang.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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