RI not to host N. Korea nuke talks
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesia's hope to play a mediating role in the North Korean nuclear crisis talks in Jakarta this week was dashed on Tuesday, after North Korean Foreign Minister Paek Nam-sun told foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda that his country would stick to its plan that the six-party talks would be held in Beijing in September.
In a diplomatic gesture, Paek welcomed Indonesia's plan to reunite U.S. army deserter Charles Robert Jenkins with his two daughters -- who are living in North Korea -- and his Japanese wife, Hitomi Soga, who had been allowed to leave North Korea.
"North Korea is committed to continuing its participation in the Beijing process, with patience, flexibility and a package solution," Hassan quoted his counterpart as saying during their bilateral talks.
Despite the rejection, Hassan, however, assured Paek that "Indonesia is ready to provide support -- especially in building trust among the parties -- and to move forward with the peace deal."
In a written statement, Paek said that,"he also underscored the need for a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula."
Beijing has hosted three rounds of negotiations without significant progress. The meeting was attended by China, North Korea, South Korea, Japan, the United States and Russia. As all foreign ministers of the six countries are scheduled to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Regional Forum (ARF) on Friday, Indonesia expects to host more negotiations in Jakarta this week.
According to Hassan, Paek accepted his offer to facilitate the reunion of the Jenkins family. Charles Jenkins has lived in North Korea since refusing to leave the country in 1965 for fear that the U.S. would arrest him for desertion.
"The North Korean government supports the reunion of Mr. Jenkins and his wife Madam Shoga with their two daughters -- but, since this is a family matter, it is up to the family to decide when and where to hold the meeting," Hassan said.
Hassan plans to discuss the matter with visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi, who has reportedly asked Indonesia to arrange the family reunion.
"The family reunion could be part of the effort to build trust among the six nations, and possibly could boost ongoing talks to find a peaceful solution to the nuclear crisis," the minister noted.
The North Korean minister is slated to meet with President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Wednesday.