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‘Rewards are necessary to secure N. Korea’s cooperation,’ pres. advisor says

‘Rewards are necessary to secure N. Korea’s cooperation,’ pres. advisor says

Posted February. 19, 2019 07:56,   

Updated February. 19, 2019 07:56

한국어

Moon Chung-in, South Korean presidential special adviser for foreign affairs and national security, said Monday, “As only North Korean technicians can dismantle their nuclear facilities safely, rewards should be given to make sure that the regime remains cooperative.”

Moon said in an interview with Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun that it is “impossible to achieve the reporting, inspection, and verification (of North Korea’s nuclear facilities) by unilaterally imposing pressure on the regime,” stressing the importance of offering corresponding rewards.

“North Korea would not be satisfied if the United States only agrees on the establishment of a liaison office in Pyongyang or the declaration of an end to the Korean War, which are reportedly being considered by Washington,” the presidential aide said, apparently calling for a shift in the approach to sanctions on North Korea. “If inter-Korean cooperation projects such as the Kaesong Industrial Complex and tourism to Mount Kumgang, which bring foreign currency to the North, get to be approved as sanctions exemptions, North Korea would be more active in moving toward denuclearization.”

“U.S. President Donald Trump said there needed to be very clear evidence of denuclearization to lift sanctions on the North. That clear evidence would be the reporting, inspection, and verification of uranium enrichment facilities in Yongbyon and other regions,” Moon added. “Handing over a list of nuclear facilities and allowing inspectors to visit are the same as letting an enemy know where to attack. Thus, North Korea is unlikely to yield to such demands until there’s mutual trust built between the two countries.”


lovesong@donga.com