U.S. urged to be wary of N. Korea's overtures

By Lee Chi-dong
WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 (Yonhap) -- The United States and its allies aiming to get rid of North Korea's nuclear program should remain mindful of the possibility of cheating by the communist nation even after its recent summit promises on denuclearization, a U.S. expert said Monday.
"The North Korean ship of state typically veers back and forth between belligerence and engagement, though it always remains on a true course toward achieving long-term objectives," said Bruce Klingner, senior researcher at the Heritage Foundation, based in Washington.
"In its typically schizophrenic way, the regime combines diplomatic entreaties with threats, resulting in a charm offensive that is more offensive than charming," said Klingner in his latest report, posted online.
He was referring to Pyongyang's reported pledge in summit talks with Moscow last week to rejoin the six-party nuclear negotiations and impose a moratorium on nuclear testing.
Analysts said North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's recent trips to Russia and China show Pyongyang's eagerness to win economic assistance before celebrating next year's centennial of the birth of founding leader Kim Il-sung. The North announced a plan to become a self-styled strong and prosperous nation by that year.
Kim made a rare trip to Russia for a meeting with President Dmitry Medvedev and in May visited China for a summit with President Hu Jintao.
Klingner said the North may have additional meetings with the U.S. or South Korea in the near future, but any progress in dialogue with North Korea will be "difficult, halting, overshadowed by fears of cheating and potentially illusory."
If it is serious about a dialogue, he said, Pyongyang should first allow the return of international inspectors to its main nuclear facilities in Yongbyon, issue a moratorium on long-range and nuclear tests, and freeze its plutonium- and uranium-based nuclear program as well as abide by the Korean War Armistice and inter-Korean agreements.
He warned that the North will resort again to provocative actions if its quest for food aid and economic benefits bears no fruit.
"Therefore, even as the United States remains open to diplomacy, it must retain sufficient defenses against the multifaceted North Korean security threat," he said.
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