By General

Translated By Alan Kao

April 27th, 2008



Hong Kong - Ming Pao - Original Article (Chinese)

Analysts believe that, the US publicly accusing North Korea for helping Syria construct nuclear facilities might lead to a breakdown of the six-party talks.

President Bush’s former senior Asia adviser, Michael Green, commented, “The US made serious accusations on North Korea in the Syria nuclear matter and will very likely propose harsher agreements that terminate Pyongyang's nuclear program in the future. In this case, Pyongyang may refuse to comply with the agreements that were previously accepted.”

Green said: "I think the US will examine North Korea with extremely high standards, because it would be even more difficult to convince Congress in the future. We cannot let it go because it will not happen again. This mentality does not work. North Korea clearly violated the agreement this time and crossed the red line. If no action is taken, North Korea might make the same mistakes again."
　
Japan Prime Minister, Yasuo Fukuda, said on the 25th, if the allegations are true, it will cause serious problems with plans to terminate nuclear proliferation in North Korea in the future. South Korean officials, on the other hand, gave low-key responses, only that it would not stop the negotiations.

The US commented earlier that, the six-party talks will not end and is still committed in continuing talks to terminate North Korea nuclear weapons program.
　
Seoul International Crisis Group analyst Pinkston pointed out that the U.S. allegations not only will increase pressure on Pyongyang, but also, will take this message across North Korea. If Pyongyang is trying to raise capital through the sale of arms or nuclear technology, the US will ultimately find out and also humiliate Pyongyang’s business partners.

Pinkston said: "We are in an emergency phase."