U.S. ambassador to Japan Thomas Schieffer warned North Korea that it needs to do more than just return to the six-party talks if it wants sanctions lifted. What I found interesting, however, was his comment about Japanese participation in the PSI:
“We recognize that Japan has special considerations… because of constitutional issues,” he said. “It’s not as easy for them to participate in the sanctions regime as for others.”
Hmmm… I wonder who one of those “others” might be. Coincidentally, I’ve heard a couple of South Korean lawmakers and officials discussion Korea’s “special” circumstances as they pertain to UN sanctions and intra-Korean “cooperation.” Doubt, though, that Seoul’s special considerations will evoke much sympathy in Washington.
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The Roh gov’t has already said it won’t turn off the money spigot from Kaesong and Mt. Keumgang, and later it will resume unmonitored “humanitarian” aid. And you can bet it won’t stop a single N.K. boat. What’s really pathetic is that they’ve also gone out of their way to alienate their biggest (only) ally and the one country that would presumably help them with expenses post-reunification. How “special” is that?