North Korea
* Re “North Korea’s Biggest Threat Is to Itself,” by Tom Plate, Commentary, Dec. 15: What can make North Korea more responsive is sincere engagement, not isolation. After patient talking and further humanitarian aid packages, North Korea has agreed to a site visit of the suspected underground facility. This means that it is not likely nuclear-related.
When newly appointed North Korea policy coordinator William Perry visited South Korean President Kim Dae Jung (Dec. 9), Kim showed his willingness to continue food aid to North Korea. Kim also reiterated the possibility of the U.S. lifting the embargo against North Korea and further urged a U.S. normalization process with North Korea. Naturally, he will have a better understanding of his northern half than the U.S. does.
If the U.S. wants to lessen its burden in carrying the Korean peninsula, it’s time to proceed with arms reduction in the peninsula and secure a peace treaty among the parties involved.
INDONG OH
Fellow, Korea-2000
Pasadena
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