MEDIA REACTION IN SEOUL

UNCLAS SEOUL 002265 STATE FOR EAP/PD FOR SWALKER, EAP/P, EAP/K STATE PASS USDA ELECTRONICALLY FOR FAX/ITP SCHEIKH STATE PASS USTR FOR RCASSIDY USDOC FOR 4430/IEP/OPB/EAP/JDONIUS TREASURY FOR OASIA/MGREWE CINCPAC FOR J-74 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR ECON KS US KPAO KMDR SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION IN SEOUL Subject: Media Reaction; Seoul East Asia and Pacific: DPRK, nuclear program, Six-Party Talks "Momentum of Six-Party Talks Should Be Maintained to Conclude North Korea's Nuclear Verification" Conservative Dong-a Ilbo editorialized (11/24): "North Korea should bear in mind that the framework of the Six-Party Talks will not change much even after the term of the Bush Administration expires. Since the next Democratic administration will not come forward to bear the cost of North Korea's nuclear dismantlement alone, any dialogue or negotiation between the North and the U.S. will inevitably be held within the Six-Party framework. The members of the Six-Party Talks are fully prepared to provide additional compensation to the North if the communist state cooperates in verifying its nuclear programs. In this regard, if Pyongyang simply intends to test the Six-Party process, favors (from the other countries) will certainly decrease. It is up to Pyongyang whether the Obama Administration's policy toward North Korea will be based on pressure or an inducement." Stephens