[EDITORIALS]Put pressure on Pyeongyang

The controversy over North Korea's nuclear program has further confused the public after the North's recent hint that it had proposed a summit meeting with the United States and the disclosure of new information about the North's uranium enrichment project. Fortunately, the United States and other countries agree that the situation should be solved peacefully. However, there are differences of opinions as to how to do this.

Each country has different interests in this situation, a matter requiring particular attention. With the information about North Korea's enriched uranium out in the open, we must first acquire more concrete information about North Korea's level of nuclear development from our allies. The accuracy of the information delivered to our government should be tested. Moreover, we should try to lessen the gap between opinions concerning the analysis of this information. In this way, the process of discussing a solution can be smooth and the procedures in implementing it well-ordered.

Whether Pyeongyang chooses to give up its nuclear development before negotiations or conclude a simultaneous settlement of demands from both sides in a package, pressure must be consistently applied on Pyeongyang until it decides to give up its nuclear ambitions. Because it was North Korea that admitted its nuclear development, the North has the responsibility of taking action that is acceptable to international society. Pressure is an inevitable means to draw out that action from Pyeongyang.

A joint message to North Korea from the leaders of South Korea, Japan and the United States at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit meeting should also be "talks accompanied by pressure."

The government should acknowledge the necessity of applying pressure on North Korea to give up its nuclear program. Earning the trust of international society from the start is the only way we will be able to voice our thoughts in what could become a long and winding road to a solution.