By Mina Pollmann
Seoul cannot agree to Pyongyang’s terms without backing from the U.S. — and that’s unlikely to happen.
The most recent round of mini-détente on the Korean peninsula began with a surprise visit by a high-caliber North Korean delegation to the closing ceremony of the Asian Games last October. Though the two sides agreed to more meetings later in October or November, North Korea backed off, citing consternation over activists’ leaflet campaigns. On December 29, Seoul’s unification minister, Ryoo Kihl-jae, sent a letter to the North, seeking negotiations on bilateral issues such as family reunions for those separated by the Korean War (1950-53).
Following weeks of silence (except for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s televised speech on New Year’s Day, in which he called for talks but did not directly respond to Seoul’s request), Minister Ryoo expressed exasperation this past Monday, stating at a news conference, “Holding talks is the first step toward resolving distrust and military tension between the South and the North, but the North has not yet come forward to respond and [I am] forced into a situation where skepticism over the North’s willingness to talk is inevitable.”
Just yesterday, a ministry spokesman reiterated the offer. To this, North Korea responded with a demand that Seoul lift sanctions that have been in effect since May 24, 2010 following North Korean attacks on a South Korean border island and corvette. Despite media attention and concerted efforts by the Park government to reach out to the North, common sense and past experience warn us not to get overly excited.
Read the full story at The Diplomat