White House keeping a close eye on developments
Source: Agencies |
December 20, 2011, Tuesday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
THE Obama administration is warily watching developments on the Korean Peninsula after the death of Kim Jong Il and may postpone decisions on re-engaging the country in nuclear talks and providing it with food aid, US officials said.
The administration had been expected to decide on both issues this week, but the officials said Kim's death would likely delay the process. They said the US was particularly concerned about any changes that Kim's death might spark in the military postures of North and South Korea but were hopeful that calm would prevail.
US President Barack Obama has spoken with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and the two leaders agreed to stay in close touch.
"The president reaffirmed the United States' strong commitment to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the security of our close ally, the Republic of Korea," the White House said in a statement.
Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were both briefed on Kim's death, the White House and State Department said.
South Korea's military and police were placed on a high alert after Kim's death and Lee convened an emergency national security council meeting.
Kim's death came as the Obama administration was debating whether to go ahead with a new round of nuclear disarmament talks with North Korea and whether to provide food aid to the country, which has been struggling with food shortages.
A food aid announcement would have not only been welcome news for North Korea, but also pave the way for a crucial US-North Korea meeting in Beijing on Thursday. That meeting in turn could have led to the resumption of nuclear disarmament talks that would also include China, Japan, Russia and South Korea.
The six-party talks were last held three years ago, and resuming them would be a coup for Obama.
Japan scurried to prepare for the unexpected after news of Kim's death.
"I've issued three orders, which are to strengthen our intelligence gathering capability, to cooperate with officials from the United States, South Korea and China, and to be prepared for the unexpected," Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said.
The administration had been expected to decide on both issues this week, but the officials said Kim's death would likely delay the process. They said the US was particularly concerned about any changes that Kim's death might spark in the military postures of North and South Korea but were hopeful that calm would prevail.
US President Barack Obama has spoken with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and the two leaders agreed to stay in close touch.
"The president reaffirmed the United States' strong commitment to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the security of our close ally, the Republic of Korea," the White House said in a statement.
Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were both briefed on Kim's death, the White House and State Department said.
South Korea's military and police were placed on a high alert after Kim's death and Lee convened an emergency national security council meeting.
Kim's death came as the Obama administration was debating whether to go ahead with a new round of nuclear disarmament talks with North Korea and whether to provide food aid to the country, which has been struggling with food shortages.
A food aid announcement would have not only been welcome news for North Korea, but also pave the way for a crucial US-North Korea meeting in Beijing on Thursday. That meeting in turn could have led to the resumption of nuclear disarmament talks that would also include China, Japan, Russia and South Korea.
The six-party talks were last held three years ago, and resuming them would be a coup for Obama.
Japan scurried to prepare for the unexpected after news of Kim's death.
"I've issued three orders, which are to strengthen our intelligence gathering capability, to cooperate with officials from the United States, South Korea and China, and to be prepared for the unexpected," Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said.
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