Kim Outlines Reciprocity Package

President Kim Dae-jung on Friday (Seoul time) made a pitch for a "comprehensive reciprocity" toward North Korea, a process akin to the "package deal" that brought about the 1994 Agreed Framework between North Korea and United States.

"Considering the frailty of North Korea and the situation on the Korean Peninsula, it is desirable to take a comprehensive approach rather than go in a quid pro quo fashion," Mr. Kim said at a luncheon in Washington hosted jointly by the American Enterprise Institute and Council on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Kim expanded on what he meant by a "comprehensive approach" to a crowd that included James Woolsey, former Director of Central Intelligence and James Lilley, former ambassador to South Korea.

"I have proposed 'comprehensive reciprocity' to officials of the Bush administration," Mr. Kim said. "By that I mean we can obtain three things from North Korea, while giving three in return. North Korea can commit to a strict adherence to the 1994 Geneva Accord, stop production and exports of missiles and guarantee non-aggression toward South Korea.

"In return," the president continued, "South Korea and the United States can jointly ensure the safety of the North Korean regime, provide sufficient economic cooperation and help the North gain wider entry into the international community and aid from international financial organizations."

In a separate meeting with legislators of the House International Relations Committee and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Mr. Kim said that he agrees, in principle, with the need for reciprocity and verification put forth by Mr. Bush, and had said as much to the U.S. president during their Thursday meeting.

Kim Ha-joong, presidential secretary of foreign affairs and national security, said that Mr. Bush in return had stressed "tangible results" of any engagement with the North.

Mr. Kim appealed for a division of roles between Seoul and Washington for success in approaching Pyongyang.

"It is desirable that we take different roles," Mr. Kim said. He stressed that America, with Seoul's support, can take the initiative in the missile and nuclear issues with Pyongyang. For its part, Seoul can lead in reducing tension on the Korean Peninsula, as well as in reduction of traditional weapons of destruction, proceeding in consultation.

Answering questions about the "Peace Declaration" that he hopes to forge with the North Korean leader Kim Jong-il at the latter's hoped-for Seoul visit, Mr. Kim emphasized close consultations with United States and China.

"Nothing concrete has been decided about the declaration. A peace treaty between the two Koreas is something that should be discussed in four-party talks including the United States and China," Mr. Kim said.

The Korean president said that the 1992 South-North Basic Agreement in pursuing tension reduction will serve as the guidebook.

Overall, he pushed the message that the United States should "seize the opportunity" to negotiate with North Korea. "Kim Jong-il needs outside assistance, and without American cooperation, assistance is not coming and he knows this," Mr. Kim said.

Before these round-table conferences, Mr. Kim agreed to hold a workshop with joint participation of the two Koreas and the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Asia Development Bank. The workshop will hold discussions on aiding the North in its progress for reform and openness.

Mr. Kim flew to Chicago Saturday (Seoul time). He is to arrive in Seoul Sunday.

by Kim Ji-soo