U.S. Statement Mimics 1999 Proposal on North

The statement made by U.S. President George W. Bush on his administration's review of its North Korea policy bears a striking resemblance to a policy proposal written by Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage in March 1999.

"A Comprehensive Approach to North Korea," the proposal written by Mr. Armitage, and the statement made Wednesday by Mr. Bush are similar in that they both emphasize a comprehensive ap-proach and reciprocity. Conventional and nuclear weapons and missile development are dealt with as a whole, while easing sanctions is made contingent upon the North's acquiescence to U.S. demands.

Both are based on the argument that the 1994 Agreed Framework is necessary, but not sufficient, to eliminate a threat from the North.

If the statement is based on the proposal, measures to upgrade the level of verification and transparency in implementing the framework are expected. That the proposal has suggested dealing with the missile development issue by having the North adhere to the Missile Technology Control Regime, and addressed the reduction of Pyongyang's conventional forces is also noteworthy.

The comprehensive nature of aid to the North is also a distinctive feature of the proposal, which states that if diplomatic efforts fail the United States should consider an interdiction of North Korean missile exports on the high seas, as well as increased containment.

It also proposes six-party security talks between the two Koreas, the U.S., Japan, China and Russia and defense talks between Seoul, Washington and Tokyo.

Meanwhile, Radio Pyongyang said Saturday, "Before calling for a reduction of our conventional weapons, Washington should first consider the withdrawal of U.S. Forces from Korea."

by Oh Young-hwan