G20 may tackle N. Korea's ICBM provocation
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President Moon Jae-in talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the chancellor’s office in Berlin, Thursday. / Yonhap
By Choi Ha-young
President Moon Jae-in has proposed that the G20 nations deal with North Korea’s inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in a joint statement after their meeting in Berlin.
During a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Thursday, Moon proposed the idea and the German leader promised to deliver this to the G20 nations, Cheong Wa Dae said.
Moon asked the German leader to pay attention to tension on the Korean Peninsula, the presidential spokesman Park Su-hyun said. Following the unprecedented missile provocation, Moon is challenged to take the helm of the inter-Korean relationship which has been his long-cherished ambition.
“Even though the G20 meeting is dedicated to economic issues with topics confirmed in advance, it would be appreciated if the North Korean missile issue could be included in a joint resolution,” Moon said.
Merkel answered: “A joint statement (that includes the North Korean issue) is possible if all member countries agree with it. Technically, it would be possible to mark that the leaders discussed the issue and our stance is in line with the U.N. resolution. It doesn’t make sense to keep silent on the North Korea issue.”
Moon echoed Merkle’s message saying it would be enough for the G20 to confirm the stance in principle since the U.N. Security Council will discuss the issue further.
Merkel made detailed inquiries about the North’s escalating missile technology and the South Korean leader’s countermeasures in handling the problem.
Moon said, “The North is close to mastering ICBM technology,” expressing concern over its rapid progress “much faster than expected.” However, he remained uncertain whether the missile could carry a nuclear warhead.
The two parties shared concerns that the international society should manage risks so as to avoid an accidental clash amid the increasing tensions. “I will deliver my concerns to President Donald Trump that a rapid reaction may trigger a risky situation,” said Merkel.
In August 2015, the two Koreas were in a volatile situation, exchanging fire following the landmine explosion on the DMZ that wounded two South Korean soldiers.
Moon reiterated that the international society should remain cautious and its pressure should be aimed at dialogue with the North. “Tomorrow I will speak frankly with Chinese President Xi Jinping, to increase China’s leverage over the North,” he said.
The two leaders lauded a new chapter of South Korean democracy following the street rallies that led to ex-President Park Geun-hye’s ouster. Merkel said she is willing to support Moon’s bid to boost a German style market economy that features a stable welfare system, as well as his energy policy to scrap nuclear power plants.
During his debut at the multilateral diplomatic event, Moon is scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Friday. Before then on the same day, Moon will have a trilateral dinner with Abe and Trump, apparently to discuss Pyongyang’s provocations.