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Washington Likely to Become Tougher Toward Pyongyang
Washington is likely to become even tougher in dealing with Pyongyang as it intensifies its anti- terrorism war, "Defense News" issued by the South Korean Defense Ministry predicted.
Yonhap News Agency Thursday quoted the Defense News as saying that U.S. diplomacy will rely more on its military power than on dialogue toward the Middle East, the Balkan region and the Democratic People Republic of Korea (DPRK).
Washington's anti-terrorism policy will play a part in its diplomacy since the DPRK is still categorized as a terrorist- sponsoring nation, the Defense News said.
Before departing for China to attend the APEC meeting Wednesday, U.S. President George W. Bush told reporters that Pyongyang should not think that because his nation happens to be engaged in anti- terror war in Afghanistan, Washington will not be prepared and ready to fulfill its agreement with Seoul.
"They (Pyongyang) should not use this as an opportunity to threaten our close friend and ally, South Korea," said Bush.
"I've got a message to Kim Jong-il: fulfill your end of the bargain: you said you would meet (South Korean President Kim Dae- jung). I think that he needs to earn the trust of the world. I think he needs to take pressure off South Korea and off DMZ. I think he needs to say -- send a signal, clearest message, that he' s for peace, not for war."
However, Bush said the signals from Pyongyang are not positive.
"I fully recognize it takes two leaders (from both Seoul and Pyongyang) to share the same vision and the same hopes. And it's apparent that Kim Jong-il doesn't share the same vision, otherwise talks would be ongoing."
"I must tell you that I've been disappointed in Kim Jong-il not rising to the occasion, being so suspicious, so secretive," added the U.S. president.
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