Dialogue with N. Korea possible in October: Kang

By Yi Whan-woo

South Korea may find opportunities to resume dialogue with North Korea by the end of early October if Pyongyang makes no further military provocations, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Monday.

“There will be room for diplomacy to work on dialogue for the North’s denuclearization, if nothing serious occurs between now and major anniversary days in October,” Kang said during a press conference.

She pointed out the 10th anniversary of the second inter-Korean summit falls on Oct. 4, followed by the 72nd anniversary of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party on Oct. 10.

The repressive state tends to test-fire ballistic missiles, or display its weapons at parades on such anniversaries.

Kang’s remark is in line with the joint view shared by South Korea and the United States that the North should cease its provocations for it to resume denuclearization talks with the international community.

“It would be difficult for the ministry to specify for how long Pyongyang should cease its provocations. But I am convinced the military authorities of Seoul and Washington have been working on details accordingly.”

The foreign minister admitted the possibility still remains for provocative acts by North Korea, saying “We can never be off guard.”

However, she said Seoul will continue its efforts to communicate with Pyongyang over humanitarian aid as well as issues on easing cross-border tension.

North Korea has appeared ready to engage in denuclearization talks with the U.S. directly, while refusing to recognize the South as a dialogue partner.

Kang said Seoul will still encourage Washington-Pyongyang dialogue, as long as Seoul can “closely cooperate” with its ally.

“We must help pave the way to open dialogue. And we should seize our chance regarding the inter-Korean relations we want to pursue,” she said.

The press conference came after Kang’s visit to Russia last week, which added to concerns over deteriorated ties between South Korea and China because she inevitably skipped a ceremony to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Seoul-Beijing diplomatic relations.

Kang downplayed concerns, explaining that her Moscow visit was to discuss President Moon Jae-in’s trip to Russia, slated for Sept. 6 and 7, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

She also dismissed concerns over increased trade volume between North Korea and Russia despite heavier sanctions recently imposed on North Korea by the U.N. Security Council.

“The trade volume may have increased by 75 percent as claimed by certain data. But such a rise is insignificant considering the amount of trade between the two countries has been small in the past,” she said.

She added that Lavrov reaffirmed his country’s role as a permanent member of the UNSC.