A U.S. Navy operation to rescue a hijacked North Korean cargo ship has drawn fresh attention ahead of Pyongyang's complete dismantlement of its nuclear programs. It might bode well for talks over diplomatic ties between the United States and the communist country. Such a rescue operation is seen as unusual considering the longtime antagonism between the two countries. However, it does not necessarily mean that the two are on the path to a thawing in their relationship.
The U.S. Navy action can be seen as a goodwill gesture toward the world's last Stalinist state. North Korea is expected to normalize ties with America if it sincerely implements its denuclearization pledges under the six-party agreement reached in Beijing on Feb. 13. In this context, the rescue operation might serve as a steppingstone for ending hostility between the two countries. First of all, the U.S. and North Korea are required to restore trust in each other before diplomatic normalization.
The rescue operation took place around 70 miles northeast of Mogadishu, Somalia, Tuesday after the North Korean ship Dai Hong Dan was hijacked by pirates. Responding to reports of the hijacking, the guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams launched the rescue mission. When the Williams ordered the pirates to give up their weapons, the North Korean crew moved against the eight attackers. The crewmembers regained control of their ship, killing two pirates and capturing five others.
Three wounded North Korean crewmembers were given medical treatment aboard the Williams. It was reported that the Combined Maritime Forces Headquarters in Bahrain instructed the U.S. Navy destroyer to come to the rescue of the North Korean-flagged vessel after receiving a report from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
The U.S. side did not attach any political implications to the rescue mission for Dai Hong Dan. However, some analysts cautiously said the U.S. Navy helped the troubled ship after taking political and military factors into considerations. They expect such cooperative action will have a positive effect on the North Korea-U.S. relations.
U.S. nuclear envoy Christopher Hill said on Tuesday that North Korea is on track to disable its nuclear weapons programs by the end of this year. On Oct. 3, North Korea signed official documents promising the complete denuclearization by year-end.
We hope the North will faithfully abide by its nuclear disarmament commitments. After full denuclearization, Pyongyang can enjoy energy aid, security guarantees and diplomatic incentives, including the establishment of ties with the U.S. and Japan. The North is required to make efforts to regain trust and confidence to join the international community.