Press Briefing
Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations Kim Young-sun
Nov. 22, 2010 14:00 KST


1. Opening Statement

Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will pay an official visit to Korea on November 26-27. During his 
visit, Minister Yang will meet with his Korean counterpart Kim Sung-Hwan to exchange views on ways 
to boost the Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership; the current situation on the Korean 
peninsula; and regional and global issues.

The second official visit to Korea by Minister Yang since the one in August 2008 is expected to serve as 
an opportunity to further develop the Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership.

Wi Sung-lac, Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs, will visit China 
on November 22-23 for a consultation with Wu Dawei, the Chinese government’s Special Representative 
on the Korean Peninsular Affairs.

The two sides will exchange views on the current North Korean nuclear issue and the future direction 
for response based on the outcome of recent, active consultations among officials at various levels, 
including heads of state and cabinet members, of the Six-party countries.

A delegation on Latin America resources, infrastructure and plant, led by Ambassador for Energy and 
Resources Kim Eun-seok, will visit three Latin American countries, namely, Chile, Colombia and 
Venezuela, on November 25-December 1. Relevant details will be available later in a press release.

The Foreign Ministry, together with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will host the “2010 
Symposium of the Center for Korea-Latin America Cooperation for Energy and Natural Resources” on 
November 24. Relevant details will be provided in a press release.

The Foreign Ministry will hold its 2010 Policy Advisory Committee General Meeting at the Ministry on 
November 25.

The upcoming General Meeting will be the first of its kind since the reshuffle of the Policy Advisory 
Committee on August 1, which resulted in 95 new members being appointed for the 2010-2012 term.

The attendees will discuss the outcome the G20 Seoul Summit and remaining challenges; ways to 
maintain peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and to strengthen diplomatic capabilities; and 
other major diplomatic issues.

The Ministry has been steering the Policy Advisory Committee since 1988 to seek advice from civilian 
experts and enhance understanding on major foreign policies.

Lastly, a Memorandum of Understanding on Working Holiday Program between Korea and Taiwan will 
be signed in Taipei on November 23 by Representative Koo Yang Keun of the Korean mission in Taipei 
and Representative Liang Ying Bin of the Taipei mission in Korea.

The Korea-Taiwan Working Holiday Program is the 11th Working Holiday Program following the one 
signed with Hong Kong in early November.


2. Q&A

[Question]
What is the Foreign Ministry’s official position regarding North Korea’s centrifuges revealed over 
the weekend?

[Spokesperson]
Bosworth, US Special Representative for North Korea Policy, had consultations with Special 
Representative Wi Sung-lac and Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan today. The government considers 
North Korea’s uranium enrichment program a grave issue and a direct violation of UN Security Council 
Resolution 1874, the September 19 Joint Statement and other existing agreements.

Therefore, we intend to consult closely with the US and other partners of the Six-party Talks on how to 
deal with the issue.

We will respond to the situation in close consultation with related countries regarding North Korea’s 
motives and possible countermeasures, while keeping an eye on the North’s moves.

[Question]
The latest uranium enrichment issue should be seen as one of those potential issues that has 
materialized. I wonder how this will affect the stalled Six-party process.

The February 13 Agreement stipulates that North Korea halt the operation of and seal the nuclear 
facilities, including those for reprocessing, in Yongbyon. And around one million tons of heavy fuel 
oil would be provided in return. The operation of nuclear facilities was suspended under such conditions. 
Do the Yongbyon nuclear facilities cited in the Agreement include uranium enrichment facilities? Or, is it 
a new variable that calls for negotiations for compensation other than the one million tons of heavy fuel oil?

[Spokesperson]
The ultimate goal of the Six-party Talks is North Korea’s denuclearization. Specific ways to engage the 
North and attain our strategic goal of its denuclearization must be pursued based on close consultation 
with related countries.

With regard to the current issue of North Korea’s uranium enrichment program, there are matters that 
need to be further confirmed. Then, based on accurately confirmed facts, countries concerned should 
hold consultations as to how to deal with such matters.

[Question]
Shouldn’t it be seen as a new variable? What I’m implying is that maybe the Six-party process should 
start all over from the very beginning, rather than picking up where it left off.

[Spokesperson]
We have been keeping an eye on this issue with concern. Yet, consultations among related countries 
are in early stages. Following his visit to Korea today, Special Representative Bosworth is due in Japan 
and China. Likewise, Special Representative Wi Sung-lac will visit China today for consultations with 
relevant officials to confirm matters that require confirmation, and discuss future countermeasures in 
depth.

[Question]
Wouldn’t the situation lead to a shift in preconditions to the Six-party Talks?

[Spokesperson]
I wouldn’t say that conclusively at this point. In connection with North Korea’s uranium program, the 
Six-party process should look into the North’s current internal situation, among others, in particular. 
So, I believe we should seek coordinated countermeasures in close consultation with the US, Japan, 
China and other countries concerned.

[Question]
Concerning the recent Asian Games taekwondo match, many disturbing events are occurring in Taiwan. 
Please tell us how the Korean mission in Taipei will deal with the matter.

[Spokesperson]
With regard to the issue, the Taiwanese side has already issued a statement, saying that the matter 
has no direct relation to the Korean government or people, and Taiwanese need to respond calmly. As 
this issue could spark emotional row unless carefully handled, I think we need to deal with it quietly and 
calmly. In this respect, the Korean mission in Taipei is also consulting with the Taiwanese side.

[Question]
Concerning the recent series of behavior of North Korea, I think our government needs to consider 
strong sanctions or corresponding measures. Has our government finalized its position on whether 
it would maintain such stance or take another approach?

[Spokesperson]
If we look back on the procedure of negotiations surrounding North Korea’s denuclearization, we can 
see the usual pattern of North Korean behavior. Therefore, I think we need to analyze the issue more 
comprehensively before reviewing future response.

Especially, as we also need to look at the recent internal situation in North Korea, I think we should 
coordinate countermeasures in close consultation with countries concerned including the US, Japan 
and China.

North Korea’s denuclearization goes beyond the issue of denuclearization, and concerns the future of 
North Korea, so a comprehensive and careful approach is necessary.

[Question]
Was the Korean government previously aware of anything regarding the uranium problem? The US 
said it had some prior knowledge.

[Spokesperson]
I’ll tell you two things. First, there has been controversy over Pyongyang’s uranium enrichment activity 
since early 2000s, and it has been raised at times in the course of the Six-party negotiations. Second, 
Korea and the US routinely hold close consultations. The two sides are sharing all information and 
maintaining close coordination concerning countermeasures. It’d be appreciated if you take such aspect 
into account.

[Question]
Do you think the Chinese government will also consider the North Korean move a violation of Security 
Council resolution?

[Spokesperson]
If North Korea’s uranium enrichment program exists, our government believes it is for other purposes 
rather than for peaceful use. So, we regard it as a violation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1874.

[Question]
Do you expect the Chinese government to think so?

[Spokesperson]
As Special Representative Wi Sung-lac is visiting China today, there will be an exchange of opinions 
on many aspects. The Chinese government also shares the strategic goal of North Korea’s 
denuclearization with the Korean, Japanese and US governments. I expect the two sides to look into 
the situation and seek a response under the same goal.


* unofficial translation