The intensity of the talks for the six negotiators was in the
air in Beijing this week. The negotiation, however, ended yesterday
without result. The outcome did not surprise anyone.
On Thursday, 13 bilateral meetings were held, the most on record
since August 2003 when the first round was initiated in
Beijing.
The flexible arrangement for the talks, bilateral and
multilateral at the same time, was designed to push for a good
outcome.
The meeting of the six negotiators from China, North Korea,
Japan, South Korea, Russia and the United States shows their
political will to solve the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula
through diplomacy.
The six-party talks have turned out to be a process that helps
the negotiators accumulate understanding and confidence. In the
process, they should learn to compromise and reach a consensus.
Ostensibly, political ideas and actions acceptable for everyone
are not available because there is a lack of understanding and
trust.
The negotiators must act in the rhythm of their wisdom. The fact
that North Korea launched its first nuclear test in October further
complicated the negotiations.
This week they reached a consensus on the importance of the
joint statement signed on September 2005. They hammered away at the
need for a peaceful settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean
Peninsula and at the goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.
Some of the negotiators came to Beijing earlier this week with
arresting division. Though the intensive meetings, especially at
the bilateral level, produced no result, the restarting of the
negotiations itself was a positive move. It exhibited the
credibility and vitality of the talks.
The crux of the matter at the moment is that all the negotiators
should try to find out the areas of concern and reach a point at
which everyone agrees.
Concerted action is needed to enforce the principles in the
joint statement. In the document, North Korea agreed to abandon all
its nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs in exchange for
energy aid and a security guarantee.
The flexibility shown by the United States at the talks may
reflect an adjusted policy toward North Korea. US officials met
their North Korean counterparts on the financial issue. The United
States imposed financial sanctions against the North Korea late
last year for alleged money laundering and counterfeiting.
More flexibility is needed from North Korea and the United
States to make the talks really meaningful rather than a marathon
event.
The six-party talks demonstrate the part the nations will play
in East Asia.
The negotiators are now returning to their countries to brief
their leaders. Hopefully, they will be back in Beijing soon.
(China Daily December 23, 2006)