MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Dmitry Kosyrev)
A new round of multi-lateral talks on North Korea's nuclear program is currently being held in Beijing. The main intrigue is why Pyongyang agreed to sustain the sinking flame of the negotiating process.
After all, it has already achieved at least one of its goals: the George W. Bush Republican administration failed to complete this long nuclear saga. All the key parameters of the deal were agreed upon more than two years ago, but there is always an excuse to procrastinate. Now, in a month North Korea with have to deal with Barack Obama rather than Bush.
Nobody expected this round to make a breakthrough. In effect, the sides are discussing one particular problem, notably, monitoring North Korea's compliance with its commitment to renounce nuclear weapons manufacture. The agreement on verification has already been reached in broad outline. Both Washington and Pyongyang have accepted it. However, some specific issues have evoked debates.
Realizing that it is still at the top of North Korea's blacklist, the United States has addressed Russia for help as a participant in the talks. Moscow could take part, for one, in testing nuclear waste and the grounds around the Yongbyon nuclear facility. Russia knows this procedure and could act as a guarantor for both Pyongyang and Washington. It would be a big step forward if the sides agreed on the protocol for testing North Korea's nuclear waste samples but a serious conversation on this subject will be held with Obama.
The five-year-long nuclear saga could teach the future U.S. president many lessons, above all, what mistakes to avoid. Why has North Korea's nuclear program become a problem? Bush's Pax Americana had no room for such an exotic place as the communist North Korea. Moreover, prior to the war in Iraq, it seemed that changing the North Korean regime was as easy as pie. This is why it was included into the Axis of Evil on a par with Iran and Iraq. The evil was clear and simple. It was alleged that all of the three regimes had secret nuclear programs. But the Bush Administration had only strength enough to deal with Iraq, where it got stuck.
The conclusion suggests itself. The future world has enough room for all countries, including North Korea. This conclusion may sound sad for some, but it will be rather difficult to dispute it in the near future.
The opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.
