Bush’s Letter

Kim Jong-il Needs to Make Affirmative Response

U.S. President George Bush's sending a letter to North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is very significant in that it indicates a major change in the security situation on the Korean Peninsula. Seoul officials were highly elated Friday over the fact that in the letter Bush expressed a strong will to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. The U.S. President noted Washington will normalize relations with North Korea once the latter fully disables its nuclear facilities and reports relevant programs by the end of the year.

We regard the move as very meaningful and it brightens the prospects for progress in resolving the nuclear issue. We hope it will provide momentum to find a breakthrough to the deadlocked six-party talks over the North's alleged attempt to develop a uranium enrichment program (UEP).

Bush has thus far shown extreme antagonism against North Korea to the extent of billing it as a member of the ``axis of evil.'' But Bush used the term ``Dear Mr. Chairman'' for Kim Jong-il, who is chairman of the North's National Defense Committee, in the letter with his personal signature. The Associated Press reported Bush stressed the need for North Korea to fully and precisely report its nuclear programs in order for the two sides to make continued progress. U.S. officials have said that once denuclearization on the Korean peninsular is realized with Pyongyang and Washington coming to terms on the nuclear disablement, the two nations will immediately embark on efforts to normalize relations.

North Korea has persistently asked the United States to guarantee the safety of its regime. With the letter, Washington has conditionally accepted such a demand. Bush's proposal is a very comprehensive one that includes taking the North off its list of nations sponsoring terrorism and subject to trade embargoes.

The State Department also acknowledged the North Korean nuclear issue has reached a ``critical juncture.'' Some experts forecast leaders of four nations _ South and North Korea, the U.S. and China _ will get together to declare the end of Korean War should the current mood of detente continue. This will be a boost for President Roh Moo-hyun who has stubbornly been touting the need.

Now the ball is on the court of North Korea. Kim Jong-il is advised to come up with clear-cut response to Bush's proactive approach. So far, positive prospects are looming given that the North announced the fact through its official mouthpiece, the Korea Central News Agency. The North Korean leader has been known for his ``bold and broadminded'' ruling style. As Bush has made such bold steps, now Kim should show a very positive response. It is the only way to ensure peace and prosperity on the Korean peninsula while leading the reclusive North Korea to become a responsible and prospering member of international community.