10 September 2003 00:50
US lobbies Russia and China on curbing WMD
The US and its allies are lobbying China, Russia and South Korea to support
the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) aimed at curbing the spread of
weapons of mass destruction, while simultaneously pursuing their joint
negotiations to resolve the crisis over North Korea's nuclear programme.
A senior US official yesterday said that although the initiative, launched by
President George W. Bush in May, was a response to a global challenge, the
proliferation of weapons and related technology to and from North Korea
remained a major concern.
The PSI, which he described as "a loose association" numbering 11
countries, aims to increase seizures of suspect cargoes.
"This is something we think we can and should pursue simultaneously with
the six-party talks in Beijing," the official said, referring to
negotiations that began last month involving the US, North and South Korea,
China, Russia and Japan.
North Korea is concerned that the new alliance is one step away from
enforcing sanctions or a blockade which Pyongyang has warned would lead to
war.
But crucially for the success of the US-led effort over North Korea, China,
Russia and South Korea have so far declined to sign up to the initiative.
The US official said he had been in contact with the three countries.
South Korea has indicated that PSI was consistent with its non-proliferation
concerns and Russia has submitted a list of questions, the US official said.
Paul O'Sullivan, Australia's deputy foreign secretary, went to
Beijing on Monday to discuss China's concerns over PSI and maritime
exercises to be held off Australia this weekend, involving Australia, the US,
France and Japan.
The US intends to lead an interdiction exercise in the Arabian Sea next
January. Iran's nuclear and long-range missile programmes, which the US
suspects may have been assisted by Pakistan and North Korea, are also under
scrutiny.
Concerns that North Korea would use the occasion of its national day
celebrations yesterday to carry out its threat to test a nuclear device or
declare itself a nuclear power proved unfounded.
Thousands of soldiers and civilians paraded through the streets of Pyongyang
but the celebrations were low-key.
"It's good news North Korea has not done anything to provoke the
US," said Woo Seong-ji, an analyst at Seoul's institute of foreign
affairs and national security. "Pyongyang seems to be sending a message
that demonstrates its commitment to diplomacy and dialogue." Even North
Korea's rhetoric was subdued compared with past outbursts, though it did
repeat a threat to continue developing nuclear weapons unless the US dropped
"hostile" policies.
"We should make no concession in defending the country's primary
interests and fight imperialists to the end, even at the cost of our
lives," said the Workers' party newspaper. The celebrations marked
the anniversary of North Korea's establishment as an independent state
in 1948.
[FTI [The Financial Times]] |
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