10110

09/05/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-10110

BOLTON ON NORTH KOREA

"A self-created and self-perpetuated tragedy." Those words describe North Korea, says John Bolton, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. Mr. Bolton spoke on August 29^th in Seoul, capital of South Korea. South Korea’s prosperous, democratic society provides a dramatic contrast to the oppressed and starving North Korean people. "Without sweeping restructuring to transform itself and its relations with the world," said Mr. Bolton, "the North’s survival is in doubt."

Recently, there have been signs of potential change. These include the revival of North Korea-South Korea dialogue and the beginning of North Korean talks with Japan. "Perhaps even more importantly," said Mr. Bolton, North Korea "has begun to implement some initial steps at freeing prices and allowing private markets to exist. . . . [I]f such reforms continue and expand, the future of the North Korean people could be much brighter."

Other changes are also essential. In addition to its work on nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, said Mr. Bolton, North Korea "is the world’s foremost peddler of ballistic missile-related equipment, components, materials, and technical expertise. . . . It has an impressive list of customers. . .from the Middle East [to] South Asia to North Africa, with notable rogue-state clients such as Syria, Libya, and Iran."

Clearly, it is time for North Korea to get out of the missile proliferation business. As President George W. Bush has said, "We cannot permit the world’s most dangerous regimes to export the world’s most dangerous weapons." North Korea must also open up to inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency and show that it is committed to a nuclear-free Korean peninsula.

"Last but certainly not least," Under Secretary of State Bolton called on the North to "alleviate the suffering and malnutrition of its citizens. . . . The U.S. remains committed to the World Food Program’s operations in [North Korea]. . . . But international charity can’t save the North Korean people from tragedy. Economic and political transformation are vital."

The U.S. is prepared to talk with North Korea about steps leading to a future that is more hopeful and less threatening.