ID :
51638
Sat, 03/21/2009 - 15:55
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/51638
The shortlink copeid
(EDITORIAL from the JoongAng Daily on March 21)- Don't push that button
South Korea is considering becoming a full-fledged member of the U.S.-led anti-proliferation treaty to counter the persistent missile and nuclear threat from the North, which has rekindled a fierce debate.
First, the act could provoke North Korea. On becoming a full member of the
Proliferation Security Initiative, or PSI, South Korea will have to take an
active part in sea surveillance of North Korea's trade in weapons of mass
destruction.
Our society has been divided and hesitant on officially taking part in the PSI
framework for fear of the potential consequences. But if the North goes ahead
with its plan to shoot off what it calls a ???satellite,??? suspected to be a
long-range missile test, sentiment could still unite against it. Seoul joining
the PSI will likely garner greater support if opinion favors a more aggressive
position against Pyongyang.
The consequences of a possible North Korean missile launch and of the South
becoming a PSI member are a grave concern. Officials in Pyongyang should
seriously consider their options before pushing the button.
The South has already laid the PSI card on the table. Defense Minister Lee
Sang-hee last month said the time has come for South Korea to review joining the
PSI since North Korea was continuing with its missile and nuclear development.
Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan also said if North Korea proceeds with the missile
launch, it will provoke fears of proliferation and pave the way for South
Korea???s consideration of the PSI option.
Already 94 countries worldwide take part in the campaign to stop the development
of weapons of mass destruction. But even with the North???s nuclear ambition, we
have so far refrained from taking an active role. South Korea, as an observer,
has been participating in just five PSI activities.
Full membership could translate into a potential inter-Korean sea clash or
provoke the North to irreversibly unbalance the tightrope walk that is the
relationship between the two Koreas.
But the North leaves the South with little option if it goes on with the missile
launch despite international warnings. Pyongyang has been testing Seoul's
patience by opening and closing the Kaesong Industrial Complex as it pleases.
Entrance to the joint industrial site was impaired yesterday even after the
Korea-U.S. joint military drills ended. North Korea should not be so foolish as
to wipe out what's left of South Korea's patience with the missile launch. That
would be a provocation capable of putting the entire Korean Peninsula in
jeopardy.
(END)
First, the act could provoke North Korea. On becoming a full member of the
Proliferation Security Initiative, or PSI, South Korea will have to take an
active part in sea surveillance of North Korea's trade in weapons of mass
destruction.
Our society has been divided and hesitant on officially taking part in the PSI
framework for fear of the potential consequences. But if the North goes ahead
with its plan to shoot off what it calls a ???satellite,??? suspected to be a
long-range missile test, sentiment could still unite against it. Seoul joining
the PSI will likely garner greater support if opinion favors a more aggressive
position against Pyongyang.
The consequences of a possible North Korean missile launch and of the South
becoming a PSI member are a grave concern. Officials in Pyongyang should
seriously consider their options before pushing the button.
The South has already laid the PSI card on the table. Defense Minister Lee
Sang-hee last month said the time has come for South Korea to review joining the
PSI since North Korea was continuing with its missile and nuclear development.
Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan also said if North Korea proceeds with the missile
launch, it will provoke fears of proliferation and pave the way for South
Korea???s consideration of the PSI option.
Already 94 countries worldwide take part in the campaign to stop the development
of weapons of mass destruction. But even with the North???s nuclear ambition, we
have so far refrained from taking an active role. South Korea, as an observer,
has been participating in just five PSI activities.
Full membership could translate into a potential inter-Korean sea clash or
provoke the North to irreversibly unbalance the tightrope walk that is the
relationship between the two Koreas.
But the North leaves the South with little option if it goes on with the missile
launch despite international warnings. Pyongyang has been testing Seoul's
patience by opening and closing the Kaesong Industrial Complex as it pleases.
Entrance to the joint industrial site was impaired yesterday even after the
Korea-U.S. joint military drills ended. North Korea should not be so foolish as
to wipe out what's left of South Korea's patience with the missile launch. That
would be a provocation capable of putting the entire Korean Peninsula in
jeopardy.
(END)
