By Jeong Hunny
South Korea’s main opposition party leader on Monday criticized the U.S. dismissal of a recent North Korean proposal to suspend its nuclear program temporarily if Washington and Seoul cancel upcoming annual joint military exercises.
New Politics Alliance for Democracy chair Rep. Moon Hee-sang called the U.S. stance “problematic,” as Washington’s move could disrupt South Korean efforts to restart high-level talks with North Korea in a daily morning meeting among senior party officials.
“There are concerns that South Korea and the U.S. are not taking a more cooperative stance on North Korea policy,” Moon said. “But I would like to proclaim to the United States government: If you can normalize relations with Cuba, why not North Korea?”
It is rare for South Korea’s opposition to openly criticize a foreign government, let alone Seoul’s main ally, although the NPAD is known to oppose hard-line policies regarding Pyongyang. Moon may have made the comments with the aim of adding to pressure on the U.S. to reconsider its North Korea policy.
Washington officials had called North Korean demands on Jan. 9 to cancel joint military drills with South Korea an “implicit threat,” as joint drills were “defensive, routine and transparent,” while Pyongyang’s nuclear program was a violation of multiple international agreements.
South Korean defense officials are in agreement with the U.S. on the issue, saying the upcoming Key Resolve/Foal Eagle joint drills in March should not be linked to potential talks with North Korea, which is technically still at war with the South.
But South Korea’s main opposition chief was adamant that the U.S. rethink its stance.
“I am in complete agreement with the New York Times,” Moon said, citing an editorial in the daily newspaper’s Thursday edition entitled, “Time to Test North Korea’s Intentions.”
“I support President Park Geun-hye’s efforts to pursue talks with North Korea,” the senior lawmaker said.
“I sincerely hope that the U.S. takes a more flexible approach to Pyongyang.”
(hj257@heraldcorp.com)
Opposition chief denounces U.S. policy on N. Korea
