S. Korea Sees Talks Easing Tensions
South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun said Thursday that he believes negotiations among the United States, North Korea and China will help ease a nuclear standoff, even though his country has been excluded from the talks.
“Many people seem disappointed and feel their pride hurt because we will not participate in the talks,” Roh said in a statement issued by his office. “The most important thing is the talks’ outcome.”
For months, Roh had said South Korea would play a leading role in international efforts to find a peaceful solution to the crisis over North Korea’s suspected nuclear weapons program.
On Wednesday, the United States said it and North Korea would hold talks in Beijing as early as next week, but Pyongyang ruled out a role for South Korea.
U.S. officials say the North’s nuclear program poses a danger to the entire world, and they want other countries -- especially South Korea and Japan -- to be part of the solution.
South Korea’s main opposition Grand National Party said the country’s exclusion from next week’s talks was unacceptable. Opposition politicians have criticized the government for giving North Korea economic aid and other concessions for little in return.
South Korea also said Russia should be involved in persuading Pyongyang to give up its nuclear ambitions.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday welcomed plans for the meetings and expressed willingness to take part.
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