A US envoy met with North Korea on Wednesday to discuss disarmament. The envoy told North Korea that the US is offering a tremendous opportunity by allowing North Korea to begin disarmament talks yet again. However North Korea maintained their stubborn trend of foolishness stating that they will keep their dangerous weapons so that they will be protected from the threatening United States. The Deputy Secretary of State, James Steinberg, stated, “There is a tremendous opportunity now for them to take a constructive measure.” Steinberg continued to say, “They’ve certainly given some indications that they understand the value of re-engagement.”
North Korea has repeatedly asked for direct talks with the United States alone but the US consistently demands that the talks take place in the six party discussion format, as previous disarmament talks were conducted.
I have to say that I think Stenberg’s comments are total rubbish. It is obvious that North Korea has no interest in cooperating with the United States. They have repeatedly denied requests to resume six party discussions, what makes Steinberg believe that the tides might be changing? I have yet to see any actual quote from North Korea which suggests they are receptive to such an idea. In fact North Korea seems to be moving in the opposite direction, becoming more oppositional with each passing day.
