'Kim Jong-un could speak at UN in September'
Rep. Park Ji-won. Korea Times file
By Park Si-soo
Opposition heavyweight Rep. Park Ji-won said Tuesday North Korean leader Kim Jong-un would be able to make a historic speech at the United Nations in September if denuclearization talks between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump unfold smoothly to the point where the North decides to give up its nuclear arsenal in return for U.S. sanctions relief.
The four-term lawmaker from the People's Party raised the rosy scenario in a radio
on Tuesday. He said if it happens, chances are high it will lead to a permanent peace treaty for the Korean Peninsula endorsed by leaders of the two Koreas, the U.S. and China.
“The summit (between Kim and Trump) at the Demilitarized Zone struck a big deal,” Park said. “Upcoming working-level talks will focus on drawing up a roadmap and timetable, based on which the two parties would move forward on an action-to-action basis.”
Park was a key aide to former President Kim Dae-jung, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000 for his efforts on inter-Korean reconciliation. The legislator has an extensive network with the reclusive state's ranking officials.
“If Kim keeps the promise of dismantling nuclear facilities in Yongbyon and more (discussed at the Hanoi summit), as well as inter-continental ballistic missiles, it means a great deal to the U.S.” he said.
“If it becomes a reality, chances are high that tourism to Mount Kumgang and the Gaeseong Industrial Complex's operation could resume. In addition to this, the U.S. could ease sanctions, allowing the North to import oil.
“If the progress reaches this far, it's not a pipe dream that Kim would speak at the U.N. General Assembly sometime in September, which would lead to another North Korea-U.S. summit, North Korea-South Korea-U.S. summit and eventually a four-party summit including China.”
Regarding Trump whispering to South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the DMZ on Sunday, Park said it could be “something about Kim's visit to Washington.”