The historic second DPRK-U.S. summit is nearing. To be held in Hanoi, the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, a nation also
once imperialized upon for decades by foreign powers and reunited only through a protracted and fierce struggle, it is undoubtedly a fitting venue for the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in DPRK-U.S. relations since the June 2018 summit in Singapore.
Following U.S.State Department Special Representative Biegun’s “very productive” talks with DPRK State Affairs Commission Special Representative for US Affairs Kim Hyok Chol during a three day long visit to the DPRK, President Donald Trump made use of his Twitter account to express his sincere enthusiasm for the talks and made clear his intention to have another positive summit with Chairman Kim Jong Un. While many saw his second tweet, regarding the DPRK economy accelerating under the leadership of Chairman Kim Jong Un, to be some veiled nod towards Chinese-styled “reform” (or Vietnamese styled reform, as the press has been foolishly promoting for several weeks now, the latest in the 40 year long media campaign of ‘DPRK is turning capitalist any day now’), nobody should realistically expect a significant shift in DPRK economic policy. A more plausibly significant and positive way to interpret President Trump’s statement is as a newfound willingness of the U.S. to either soften or remove sanctions, which is a more plausible scenario following the summit. Had this been the position from the June 2018 summit, perhaps progress would have been significantly hastened, but the building of trust between the two sides has and is the biggest roadblock towards normalizing relations.
An outcome of the summit that should be eyed more closely is the possibility of an end-of-war declaration being born from the historic meeting, an agenda item that President Trump may have hinted at when he stated he was looking forward to “advancing the cause of peace” with Chairman Kim Jong Un at the summit. A mindless tragedy for the world and a 69 year scar upon humanity which will take many decades to heal even after peace is achieved, the firm ending of the war of aggression that has been waged against Korea would be an unforgettable accomplishment for world peace and stability.
Delivering a long awaited gift to the Korean people who overwhelmingly yearn for peace and reunification, a declaration ending an incredibly costly war would be welcomed by Koreans in both the north and south, as well as the entire international community most of whom have made their positions clear in supporting both the end of the war and the softening of the pressure campaign against the DPRK in the face of growing inter-Korean exchange and cooperation. While not being the same as a legally binding peace treaty, this would undoubtedly accelerate that process of bringing all signatories to the table for its signing, an incredible event to be finally realized this year. The DPRK has long insisted on such a treaty, and south Korean President Moon Jae In has expressed consistent and sincere support of a peace treaty. Comments including from U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that he “expects” Chairman Kim Jong Un and President Trump to discuss such a declaration, and U.S. Special Representative Biegun stating that President Trump was “ready to end this war” are very encouraging and are why this outcome should be one of the most realistic and significant outcomes of the upcoming summit.
Having peace within grasp and the potential for the writing of an entirely new chapter in DPRK-U.S. relations, the world is anxiously awaiting to see if the U.S. sincerely wishes for a new bright beginning or a foolish continuation of the failed sanctions and pressure campaign.
Signed,
Mr. Tom Official U.S. Delegate KFAUSA usa@korea-dpr.info | info@kfausa.org
Natalie Everhart General Secretary KFAUSA gensec@kfausa.org
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