May 4, 2005
By Jack Kim
Reuters
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea believes diplomatic efforts to have North Korea end its nuclear programs are at a "critical moment," and that patience with Pyongyang is wearing thin, a top official said on Wednesday.
The North is suspected of having conducted a test of a short-range missile on Sunday, and U.S. officials have recently indicated Pyongyang may be preparing for a nuclear test.
"We are at a critical moment in the process of trying to resolve this situation peacefully and diplomatically," Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon said at a regular press briefing.
"The recent developments are grounds for serious concern as they continue to unfold," Ban said, adding: "The outlook for the resumption of the talks is not all that bright."
The two Koreas, China, Japan, Russia and the United States have held three rounds of talks on the North's nuclear programs with no substantive result. The last round was held in June 2004.
Last week, the top U.S. envoy to the talks shuttled among Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo in a bid to restart the discussions.
Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill said at the conclusion of his trip that the mood among the parties as they discussed the talks "was not very good right now."
Ban repeated what Hill said last week -- that it was in the best interest of North Korea to return to the table quickly.
"North Korea must look squarely at reality and make a strategic decision, but when they continue to delay like this, it is natural that the international community's patience will wear thin and it becomes pessimistic about the resumption of the talks," Ban said.
The United States has said it might consider taking tougher action if North Korea refuses to return, such as taking the matter to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions.
"North Korea must realize that the current situation where the six-party talks are not taking place cannot continue indefinitely," Ban said. Continued ...
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