Seoul: A former U.S. nuclear envoy has stated that North Korea would aim for acknowledgment of its nuclear weapons and the lifting of sanctions as conditions for engaging in dialogue with the United States.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Joseph Yun, former U.S. Special Representative for North Korea, discussed North Korea's potential demands during a seminar on the South Korea-U.S. alliance. Yun, who served as acting ambassador to Seoul until October, highlighted that despite U.S. President Donald Trump's interest in resuming talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Kim appears unprepared for such dialogue.
Yun's comments come amid speculation of potential reengagement between Trump and Kim, coinciding with Trump's planned visit to China for discussions with President Xi Jinping. He emphasized that North Korea's objectives are to have its nuclear status acknowledged, similar to Pakistan's, and to achieve sanctions relief.
The former envoy explained that North Korea seeks de-facto nuclear state status outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty framework, contrasting with the five officially recognized nuclear weapon states. Despite the Trump administration's desire for engagement, Yun noted Kim's reluctance to participate in talks.
Yun attributed North Korea's disinterest in diplomacy to its strengthened ties with Moscow and traditional connections with China, highlighted by a joint appearance of leaders from the three nations during a Beijing military parade. Additionally, North Korea's financial gains from aiding Russia's military efforts and engaging in cyber thefts may reduce its interest in U.S. diplomacy.
The memory of Kim's unsuccessful summit with Trump in Hanoi in 2019 might also influence his hesitancy to engage in further discussions. Yun stressed the crucial role of South Korea in facilitating dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea, underscoring that without Seoul's assistance, no talks would be possible.
Yun expressed confidence in the U.S. approval of South Korea's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines, anticipating the materialization of this endeavor despite skepticism. He also showed optimism about South Korea securing rights for civil uranium enrichment and reprocessing, as discussed in a recent summit agreement between the South Korean and U.S. presidents.
On the topic of appointing a U.S. ambassador to South Korea, Yun mentioned that the Trump administration is seeking a candidate closely aligned with the President. He noted that the ambassador seat remains vacant following the departure of Philip Goldberg last year, with James Heller currently serving as charge d'affaires ad interim.
Reflecting on his tenure as acting ambassador in Seoul, Yun acknowledged the challenges faced during political turmoil in South Korea and emphasized the enduring strength of the bilateral alliance amid uncertainties surrounding the second Trump administration's policies towards its Asian ally.