U.S. sets new deadline for N. Korea's declaration of nuclear programs
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2008/01/10/21/0301000000AEN20080110001700315F.HTML
혻혻 By Lee Chi-dong
INCHEON, Jan. 10 (Yonhap) -- The United States wants North Korea to disclose all of its nuclear programs before the launch of South Korea's new government late next month, Washington's chief nuclear envoy said Thursday.
혻혻 Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill presented the fresh deadline for recalcitrant North Korea after his meeting with South Korea's incoming leader Lee Myung-bak.
혻혻 The United States accuses North Korea of failing to meet the year-end deadline to provide a "complete and correct" declaration on the North's nuclear activity, a key part of the second phase of the denuclearization process. But Pyongyang insists that it already explained enough about its nuclear programs. North Korea criticizes the U.S. and other dialogue partners over delays in their provision of further energy aid and political incentives.
혻혻 It is very desirable to complete phase two even before Lee takes office so negotiators can focus on the last phase by the time his government begins its term, Hill told reporters at Incheon International Airport before heading to Beijing.
혻혻 The envoy said he had a "very good discussion" with Lee about the need to work closely together for denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
혻혻 Hill cited North Korea's lack of transparency as a reason for its failure to meet the deadline.
혻 혻 "We can't have a situation where we pretend programs didn't exist for we both know that they existed," he said. "We can't have a program, a process that goes forward on the basis of not being honest with each other."
His remarks were understood to refer to the North's alleged uranium enrichment program and nuclear black-market connection with Syria.
혻혻 "It is a tougher issue than maybe it should be. I mean tougher from a psychological point of view," he said. "That is why I think we need to show a little patience with the situation."
Asked about the timing for a new round of six-way talks on the nuclear crisis, Hill said it depends on consultations with host China.
혻혻 He said he will discuss the issue with his Chinese counterpart Wu Dawei later Thursday. The other participants in the talks are Japan, Russia, and the two Koreas.
혻혻 During his hectic three-day schedule in Seoul, he had a series of meetings with President Roh Moo-hyun, Foreign Minister Song Min-soon, and Seoul's top nuclear envoy Chun Yung-woo.
혻혻 Hill and Chun agreed to push for a quick resumption of the six-way talks.
혻혻 lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)
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Preparations for War with Iran: Bush's Mideast Visit and N. Korea Declaration Deadline
Why would Bush go to the Mideast now? I believe he went in person in order to nail down commitments from the Israelis and Saudis prior to a planned attack on Iran. Bush neither reads nor writes well, and has a low comfort level using diplomatic go-betweens, so this is a look'em in the eye trip to talk about what happens when he pulls the trigger.
If not, what is the alternative explanation for the trip? He is going to talk about peace talks likely to drift into the fall; change diplomatic tact, such as a demand Israel end the blockade of Gaza; schedule another Annapolis photo-op? Not likely. In addition, by Whitehouse standards it is a stealth trip with the US press attention focused elsewhere.
One possibly related diplomatic element: the White House is demanding North Korea "come clean" about its nuclear program, with the objective of getting some statement from them about working with the Iranians. Why an urgent deadline, especially one not in the agreement, unless it is linked to concomitant events?
Assuming an attack on Iran, I would guess weather and other logistical concerns, combined with attention to the domestic political schedule, means an attack in two to three months or early fall.
Should this occur, the potential for destabilizing domestic and foreign consequences increase substantially, approaching near certainty. This nominally unattractive and reckless gamble would fit Bush's character as well as the pattern of his governance. Also, this is his last shot, with a chance to create conditions in the Mideast that lock in future policy options, as he has in domestic policy with a massive deficit. Given the consequences, he would attack not only his foreign enemies, but at the same time strike at his domestic foes under the cover of the resulting emergency.
The later the attack on Iran comes or a significant response from Iran, the more likely it would be combined with a formal declaration of a national emergency (http://www.concordbridge.net/NSPD-51.htm), possibly affecting US national elections. The result would be a de facto coup d'état.
Finally, to further assess its likelihood, ask the question: who is to stop him? Not Congress; not the courts; not pubic opinion nor the press. The only chance, however slight, of stopping Bush would rest almost entirely with the British government, if Parliament became aware of the plan prior to the commencement of hostilities.
Sincerely,
William H. White
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