North Korea and a “PEACEFUL” Nuclear Program The Six-Nation Talks Resumed

Background ● The six-nation talks include – China – Russia – Japan – South Korea – US – North Korea

History of the debated nuclear program ● North Korea had nuclear weapons programs in the 80's ● US caught wind of this in 1985 ● Under international pressure, Pyongyang acceded to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). ● In July 1990 The Washington Post reported that new satellite photographs showed nuclear weapons

● In 1992, North Korean and South Korean officials announced the Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula ● However, in 1993 the North threatened to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) --which brought North-South progress to an abrupt halt. ● The confrontation between North Korea and the United States deepened.

● 1994, renewed North-South talks ● Wait! –North Korea has enough plutonium to make 3 warheads. ● US and South Korea try to enforce this to shutdown. ● 1995, North Korea needs help with electricity, agrees to end nuclear programs ● In 2002, North Korea wants to create a program to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons but is in violation of earlier agreements. ● 2003, admits to having nuclear weapons

WHAT IS GOING ON NOW?

Six-nation talks resumed Tuesday in the Chinese capital Beijing. North Korea wants a nuclear program The head of the North Korean delegation, Kim Gye Kwan, told China's official Xinhua news agency that Pyongyang had a "right" to a peaceful nuclear program. The US, however, does not want North Korea to have anything to do with nuclear weapons or the learning of their mechanics. Kwan said that North Korea would not accept the U.S. blocking this right but there could be flexibility in other areas

● North Korea has a secret uranium weapons program in addition to its declared plutonium one. WASHINGTON CLAIMS THAT:

The United States says the North should not exercise this right since Pyongyang has acknowledged using its civilian program in the past as a cover for making weapons.

HOWEVER: ● In a rare interview with CNN in the North Korean capital last month, North Korean envoy Kim -- also the vice foreign minister -- repeated Pyongyang's denial that it has a uranium-based program. ● Kim reiterated that his country wanted to pursue a peaceful nuclear power program.

WHat? ● "This is a very appropriate policy in light of the economic situation of our country. That is why we cannot make a concession in this field," Kim (Vice Foreign Minister) said. ● The US argues that there is no need for the North to maintain civilian programs because South Korea had pledged to provide its neighbour with electricity. (This, however, would make North Korea reliant on the South.)

AND NOW? ● Talks will continue until either North Korea gives up its proposed program or there is a compromise reached