Direct talks between North and South Korea reach a sudden premature end when it becomes clear the North Koreans are only here for the freebies.
A Slap in the Face for Bumbling South Korea: South Korea clung to resolving the issue by way of one-nation politics: it would deal with the missile issue and the question of the six-party talks in inter-Korean ministerial talks. The North was having none of it, refusing point-blank to discuss anything not on the approved agenda. Instead, it made the preposterous demand that since its “military first” policy protects the South with its nuclear weapons and missiles, the South should give it the rice it promised. When that demand was rejected, the North Koreans stormed out with the empty threat that the South “will pay the price.”Of course, the free lunch comes off the table if the business meeting cancels.
Seoul halts key aid to North as talks flop: It was the first high-level meeting between the two neighbours, technically still at war because the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce instead of a peace agreement, since North Korea’s missile tests. South Korea said after the talks collapsed that it would withhold any more food aid to the North.Meanwhile, the United Nations, after earnest and serious deliberation, is very close to deciding what type of paper they want to toss at the Norks.
US, Japan push for UNSC vote on North Korea: The United States and Japan insisted that the Security Council vote Saturday on a proposed resolution condemning North Korea's missile tests, and a last-minute proposal brought the divided council closer to an agreement.I expect Kim Jong-il’s next post on his Beloved Leader Blog will be an “authoritative” discussion on the nutritional value of processed cellulose fiber.
