North Korean Charm Offensive Toward the West
Unofficial Visits by Pyongyang to Seoul and Santa Fe Give Hope
Aug 24, 2009
Unsanctioned overtures, facilitated by the Obama administration, have given rise to North Korea’s recent Charm Offensive toward America and the West. For eight years the Bush administration operated under the paradox of an irresistible force (Washington) meeting an immovable object (Pyongyang.) Washington’s errors about the Axis of Evil nations, contributed to the death of the Six Party Talks with Pyongyang. While isolating the North, it also isolated the West from the DPRK’s growing nuclear program.
America’s Carrot and Stick
The Obama administration overtly stated they would deal differently with all nations (including North Korea.) "We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist," he said in his inaugural address.
America’s first carrot to Pyongyang was former President Bill Clinton’s “humanitarian” visit to free journalists Euna Lee and Laura Ling. Clinton, highly regarded in the North, repeatedly stressed his was a private mission. None the less Kim Jong-il probably saw it with favor.
This act was followed by America’s stick as mentioned by National Security Advisor retired General James Jones on NBC television’s Meet the Press, August 9th 2009. “The United States is willing to hold direct talks with North Korea…if Pyongyang first resumes international negotiations….” US ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, fortified this position when she said in a CNN interview that same day, “…Washington is open to bilateral talks with Pyongyang [if it]…resumes the six-party talks.”
North Korea’s Carrots
After the release of the American journalists, Pyongyang unilaterally released Yu Seong-jin, a South Korean Hyundai engineer. This was the North's first conciliatory gesture to the South since that conservative government took control.
Furthermore, reporter Yoo Jee-ho of the English daily newspaper, JoongAng Daily reported on August 18th that, “North Korea…agreed to resume suspended tourism programs…lift travel restrictions…and provide for the reunion of separated Korean families.”
Former U.N. Ambassador, current governor of New Mexico and veteran negotiator, Bill Richardson, was quoted by the BBC on August 20th, “The North Koreans are sending good signals, that they're ready to talk directly to the United States,” and they are now seeking a “gesture” in return.
General Jones thought, when asked if North Korean officials had indicated that their position had changed, “…time will tell.”
US Talks
The significance of former President Clinton’s meeting with Kim Jong-il can not be underestimated. Regardless of how the West wishes to portray the encounter, it was ultimately Pyongyang’s perception of that conference that dictated her current actions.
During Governor Richardson’s two day talks with North Korean diplomats in the southwestern state capital, he said, according to an August 20, 2009 VOA News article, there are "hopeful sign of improving relations between Washington and Pyongyang.”
Seoul Talks
The Korean Times reported on August 24th, “Currently, six North Korean officials are visiting Seoul to pay their respects to the late Kim Dae-jung, a former president beloved on both sides of the border.” Meanwhile, the chief North Korean nuclear negotiator for the United States, Stephen Bosworth, flew to Seoul to attend the funeral as well. The fact that his arrival coincides with the North Korean officials in Seoul can not be missed.
Possibly, these actions are America’s “gesture in return” for North Korea changing her position. The signs, by both parties, are promising; however, doubt remains. The BBC said, “North Korea's diplomacy is following a familiar pattern - first belligerence: the walkouts and flaunting of military muscle, followed by a return to diplomacy and demands for further concessions.” Only time will tell!
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