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North Korea¡¯s chief nuclear negotiator Kim Kye-gwan on Saturday warmed up his country¡¯s demand for a light-water reactor if it is to dismantle its existing nuclear facilities. Unlike the existing graphite reactor, a light-water reactor would make it more difficult to produce weapons-grade nuclear material.
Kim was speaking to reporters before boarding an Air Koryo plane at Beijing Capital International Airport to return home after the latest round of six-nation nuclear talks. "What we're discussing right now is the current nuclear plan, in other words, the Yongbyon nuclear facility stopping its operation, getting disabled and ultimately getting dismantled,¡± Kim said. ¡°For dismantlement, a light-water reactor should be brought in."
Kim avoided giving a direct answer to the question if the North will report any nuclear weapons it already has in the next stage envisaged under a Feb. 13 six-nation agreement, saying only, "Confidence should be built in the first place."
"What is basically important in the solution of the nuclear issue is not whether we will receive the supply of heavy fuel oil, but whether the U.S. will change its policy,¡± he said. ¡°We're not a parasite living on heavy oil." The envoy declared himself ¡°satisfied¡± with the latest talks. ¡°It is obvious what we're supposed to do. But the other nations seem to be not so well prepared.¡± Kim added the reason the six nations failed to agree on a timetable for the next stage ¡°was that we didn't have enough time.¡±
Among the other five nations in the talks, which also include South Korea, the U.S., China and Russia, Kim had a special word of warning for Japan. "Japan should note that pressure alone would not be helpful¡± in solving problems, he said. ¡°Japan is fostering an atmosphere that could infringe on our national sovereignty. If it ever takes a step further, it will be met with catastrophe, so be warned."
(englishnews@chosun.com )
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