(EDITORIAL from the Korea Herald on Feb. 23)

War of words

The North Korean leadership should realize that its recent provocations will not
serve its interests, while a return to the six-party talks and the fulfillment of
its obligations under the North Korea denuclearization deal is the only solution
for the energy and cash-strapped country.

Tension on the Korean Peninsula has risen to new heights in recent weeks at the
discovery of preparations for a launch in the North. Satellite imagery indicates
that Pyongyang could be ready to launch a long-range ballistic missile by the end
of the month. The missile could be either a prototype Taepodong-2 missile or a
Paektusan-2 space launch vehicle, according to Jane's Defense Weekly.
Last Friday, Defense Minister Lee Hang-see told the National Assembly that Seoul
would target North Korean launch sites if its ships came under missile attack in
the West Sea. The previous day, the North Korean military had announced that it
was "fully ready" for a war with South Korea. In fact, Pyongyang has been staging
an increasingly bellicose war of words. It has unilaterally scrapped all
agreements with Seoul and has refused to recognize the de facto maritime border
on the West Sea.
Also on Friday, visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned North
Korea to stop its provocations, saying its "war of words" would not help it to
establish a new relationship with the United States. North Korea is "not going to
get a different relationship with the United States while insulting and refusing
dialogue with the Republic of Korea," she said. Clinton's statement should
discourage North Koreans from pursuing a policy of forming closer ties with the
United States while keeping out the South.
Clinton also said that any missile launch by Pyongyang would be in breach of U.N.
resolutions. The remarks are in reference to a North Korean assertion that it has
the right to conduct a space program, indicating that the missile launch is tied
to a space program. In August 1998, Pyongyang fired Taepodong-1 missile which
flew past Japan and into the Pacific Ocean. The communist state said that the
missile was carrying a satellite.
Clinton observed that North Korean provocations may stem from a succession issue
in the North. Indeed, the leadership in Pyongyang may be attempting to
consolidate its power through a military provocation of the South, creating
internal solidarity as North Koreans unite against an external enemy.
Although the Unification Ministry said that Kim Jong-il was firmly in power in
the North, the government must prepare for all eventualities, including
succession in the North. As Clinton said, both Washington and Seoul must come up
with a strategy that is "effective in influencing the behavior of the North
Koreans at a time when the whole leadership situation is somewhat unclear."
On Saturday, North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea,
which handles inter-Korean relations, said that the North would never recognize
the Lee Myung-bak government as its dialogue partner.
The Obama administration has appointed Stephen Bosworth as a special envoy North
Korea, thereby demonstrating its desire to engage North Korea in dialogue, both
within the six-party framework and bilaterally. Pyongyang, which seeks to
normalize relations with the United States, should remember what Clinton said -
that its provocations against the South will not be fruitful.
sam@yna.co.kr
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