North Korea Agrees To Suspend Nuclear Activities

Hugh Pickens writes writes "In a breakthrough in negotiations with the secretive communist nation the Guardian reports that North Korea has agreed to suspend nuclear activities and to a moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile tests. According to U.S. State department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland, North Korea has agreed to allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors to verify and monitor the moratorium on uranium enrichment and confirm disablement of its nuclear reactor at Yongbyon. In return for the moratorium on nuclear activities at this key site, the United States has agreed to finalize a package of 240,000 metric tons of nutritional assistance to North Korea. There will be intensive monitoring to assure the delivery of such assistance is made to those in need, and not diverted to the military or government elites."

Still in violation

[Beryllium Sphere(tm)]

In 1992 North Korea agreed to keep the peninsula free of nuclear weapons.

But let's be optimistic, maybe this time around the inspectors will be allowed to do inspections.

Re:Still in violation

[Anonymous Coward]

In 1992 North Korea agreed to keep the peninsula free of nuclear weapons.

and in return the U.S., Japan and S. Korea would build light water reactors in N. Korea. The construction stalled and the rest is history. It is not just about whether N.Korea allows inspectors. There is no free lunch. N. Korea won't give it up without rewards.

As Usual...

[JeanCroix]

Hoping for the best, expecting the worst. Could the change in leadership really amount to actual change this quickly?

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[account_deleted]

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Why is the USA footing the bill?

[Anonymous Coward]

It seems like the USA is always picking up the tab on stuff like this. Why not NATO?

Re:Still in violation

[h4rr4r]

So genocide is a relatively small thing?
Google Holodomor. 2+ million people died, at the very least. The state prevented food aid from reaching these people. Even the US govt recognizes this as an act of genocide.

Re:China

[VikingOfNorth]

NK provides the crazy uncle that China needs to cover some of the things it does in regard to Tibet, Taiwan, and Iran. China is not going to get on board with any program of regime change in NK.

I know this isn't of much value since I can't quote my references, but I remember hearing/reading about this particular matter and it actually seems China is getting slightly frustrated with its "crazy uncle". It makes sense, actually: NK requires a lot of material aid yet provides very little of concrete value in return. The only thing China really wants from NK is to act as a strong buffer against the capitalistic influence of SK, and by now, I suppose they've realized that this particular concern is rather insignificant. If NK becomes even more dependant on Chinese aid, it's possible that even China will have a change of mind.

It's also hard to believe that China is particularly happy about a "new" nuclear power rising very close to it's borders, especially since the ruling despot family has proven to be very eager to test its arsenal every once in a while.

Re:As Usual...

[JeanCroix]

All that may be true, but I think the bigger question would be about his father's cronies who are still there. Just because he's the new leader, it doesn't necessarily follow that he immediately has all of his father's power and influence. And if he moves too quickly away from the policies of the past, I'm sure it could put him at risk within his own power structure. NK is about to enter "interesting times," for better or worse.