RI not to host N. Korea nuke talks

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.