The following are excerpts from the interview with Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan. ― Ed.


The Korea Herald: Regarding the upcoming inter-Korean dialogue, what is the government’s official position on not linking North Korea’s apology for the attacks last year with the resumption of the six-party talks?

Kim Sung-hwan: While we can set the conditions for the inter-Korean talks and have the initiative, the South Korean government cannot solely decide the terms for the six-party talks. Each and every one of the six dialogue partners must agree on the conditions of restarting the talks. Regarding the latter dialogue, the most important issue is North Korea’s genuine attitude toward denuclearization. Related parties are under agreement they must increase bilateral and multilateral contacts to induce North Korea to change its previous attitude before all six partners get together.

The two talks, however, will inevitably affect one another. Through the inter-Korean dialogue, we will be able to determine whether North Korea has an earnest willingness to denuclearize. And obviously, the six-nation talks cannot resume without South Korea’s agreement. To conclude, it is not up to us, but to North Korea, how soon the six-party talks can restart.

KH: Do you believe the six-party talks can restart even if North Korea continues to deny its responsibility over the sinking of the South Korean Cheonan warship?

Kim: As I have said, the two issues are closely related. If North Korea shows no veracity at all and maintains its previous position (not to admit responsibility and apologize), it will be difficult for Seoul to have a meaningful conversation with North Korea. Such scenario will naturally negatively affect the resumption of the six-party talks.

KH: Under which terms could dialogue partners believe North Korea’s genuine willingness to disarm?

Kim: The five dialogue partners have been closely discussing the issue. While the United States, South Korea and Japan are almost unanimously agreed on the terms, China appears to need more time and persuasion to fully agree with us. Russia is also generally under agreement.

KH: Is discussion over Pyong­yang’s pledge to dismantle its nuclear facilities a key issue in inter-Korean dialogue?

Kim: What we are saying is that North Korea must change its previous position to discuss the nuclear issue only with the United States. I believe North Korea is well aware of the growing need to also discuss this issue with us. Our recognition over whether North Korea is willing to give up its nuclear weapons will lay the groundwork for the six-party talks.

KH: Do you believe there is a possibility of North Korea conducting a third nuclear test or staging more provocations should it fail to secure what it wants through the inter-Korean dialogue?

Kim: Our government has not detected any signs of such provocations so far. We are in the process of resuming talks, so it would be too soon to predict what North Korea will do. These concerns, I believe, are based on the patterns of North Korea’s previous attitude.

KH: What are the government’s future plans on taking North Korea’s uranium enrichment program to the U.N. Security Council?

Kim: Partners are not yet fully agreed upon the issue. The United States is currently discussing the issue with China. Although it is easy to predict China will not agree to take the case to the U.N., international issues often turn out differently from what we generally assume. Let’s wait and see what happens.

KH: Is the South Korean government willing to pursue the issue (of taking North Korea’s UEP to the U.N.) even without China’s agreement?

Kim: It won’t be easy for sure. But we are generally optimistic especially after the recent U.S.-China statement, in which the Chinese government officially expressed concerns about North Korea’s uranium enrichment activity for the first time.

KH: Are there ways, other than taking the case to the U.N., of halting Pyongyang’s uranium enrichment activities before the resumption of the six-party talks?

Kim: The five dialogue partners are closely discussing several options, although it is too soon to unveil the details right now.

KH: Regarding some views that South Korea is depending too much upon the United States concerning China, are there any plans lined up in the future for the Seoul government to secure China’s support in dealing with North Korea?

Kim: We have not had many meetings with China recently, largely because China had its full focus on last month’s summit in Washington. During this time, we conveyed our position through the U.S. government. Now that the summit is over, we plan to increase direct contacts with China through high-level consultations. I plan to visit China myself sometime in the near future to meet with the Chinese foreign minister. We are currently working on the details.

KH: How are the discussions with the United States coming concerning the Seoul-Washington Missile Technology Control Regime and the Nuclear Cooperation Agreement?

Kim: Both agreements are outdated and the U.S. is well aware of the concerns here that the terms must be revised to increase Seoul’s military ability against North Korea’s repeated provocations. The nuclear agreement was forged decades ago when the situation was very different from how it is now. So I expect a brand new pact to replace the current accord once it expires in 2014. We are currently working on a preliminary agreement with Washington so that the new pact can positively affect both sides concerning peaceful nuclear trade and nonproliferation controls.

KH: Is the government firm on bringing to trial and punishing the Somali pirates in the country?

Kim: Yes. Through examination, we have concluded it is legitimate under our laws to deal with the pirates within our land. I am not too concerned about this measure increasing the danger of our ships as we are not the first country to do so. We plan to take a more active part in the international move to root out piracy.

KH: What other plans will you pursue while in office?

Kim: I plan to work on maintaining and expanding South Korea’s role in the international community regarding peace keeping operations, climate change and green growth. There is also a growing need to focus on diplomatic relations with newly-developing countries with our soft power, such as the popularity of Korean pop culture overseas, and our advanced information technology. I also plan to increase transparency and patency regarding the employment and appointment of ministry officials.

By Shin Hae-in (hayney@heraldcorp.com)