Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09SEOUL1233
2009-08-05 05:02:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Seoul
Cable title:
SEOUL - MEDIA REACTION
how-toVZCZCXRO4910 RR RUEHGH DE RUEHUL #1233 2170502 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 050502Z AUG 09 FM AMEMBASSY SEOUL TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5209 RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC 8948 RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 6474 RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 0099 RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 6391 RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC RHHMUNA/USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI RUEHGH/AMCONSUL SHANGHAI 1079 RUEHSH/AMCONSUL SHENYANG 4822 RUEHIN/AIT TAIPEI 3792 RUEHGP/AMEMBASSY SINGAPORE 6988 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 1333 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 2652 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 1730 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 2339
UNCLAS SEOUL 001233
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR ECON KPAO KMDR KS US
SUBJECT: SEOUL - MEDIA REACTION
EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC: DPRK
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"PREPARE FOR RAMIFICATIONS FROM CLINTON'S N. KOREA VISIT"
Conservative Chosun Ilbo editorialized (08/05): "The Clinton-Kim
Jong-il meeting is a sign that direct talks between the U.S. and
North Korea have effectively started, after the North's second
nuclear test and its long-range missile launch. It is only a matter
of time before the two countries start bilateral negotiations. ...
Clinton's visit has also disclosed the limitations of sanctions
against North Korea through the UN. ... When (former President
Jimmy) Carter visited North Korea, Kim Il-sung - the founder of the
North Korean regime and father of the current leader - said that 'we
have neither the intention nor the ability to develop nuclear
weapons.' Twelve years later, the North tested a nuclear device.
... We should watch whether Clinton's North Korea visit will
replicate that disaster, and prepare for any ramifications with a
cool head."
"EXPECTATIONS AND CONCERNS OVER CLINTON-KIM JONG-IL MEETING"
Right-of-center JoongAng Ilbo editorialized (08/05): "We truly hope
that Mr. Clinton's visit will serve as a turning point in
comprehensively resolving the North Korean nuclear issue by changing
the situation from confrontation to dialogue. (The U.S.),however,
should not repeat the past mistake of dancing to the North's tune
while only seeking dialogue with the communist state. Accordingly,
(the U.S.) needs to, for a while, maintain a two-track strategy
toward North Korea of tougher sanctions and dialogue. Furthermore,
the U.S. should closely consult with its allies, such as the ROK and
Japan, under the principle that North Korea possessing nuclear
weapons can not be tolerated."
"PAYING ATTENTION TO SITUATION FOLLOWING CLINTON-KIM JONG-IL
MEETING"
Moderate Hankook Ilbo editorialized (08/05): "Former President
Clinton is the highest-ranking of the officials who have been
mentioned as possible special envoys to negotiate the release of the
U.S. journalists. In other words, Clinton's visit has greatly saved
the North's face. By taking corresponding measures in return, North
Korea should not miss this good opportunity to get out of
international sanctions and isolation."
"CLINTON'S VISIT TO N. KOREA COULD BREAK NUCLEAR DEADLOCK"
Left-leaning Hankyoreh Shinmun editorialized (08/05): "Both the U.S.
and North Korea are currently keeping quiet about the details of
Clinton's visit, but experts say that it could serve as a crucial
opportunity to change U.S. policy on North Korea from one of
pressure to dialogue. They say whether that dialogue takes place
within the framework of the Six-Party Talks or within a separate
framework will still be an issue; but regardless, the visit signals
that a North Korea-U.S. dialogue will begin in earnest. ... The
problem is the Lee Myung-bak Administration's attitude. The Lee
Administration has plunged inter-Korean relations to its worst level
by pushing for a hard-line policy toward North Korea. Now is the
time for the Lee Administration to face up to the rapidly changing
environment and to quit the hard-line policy that has contributed
only to the ROK being excluded from discussions on Korean Peninsula
issues."
STEPHENS