Moscow may act as mediator between Washington and Pyongyang
The reason for a new and very acute crisis on the Korean Peninsula was the toughening of the sanctions of the UN Security Council (UNSC) in response to Pyongyang’s carrying out a satellite launch and an underground nuclear test, Head of the Korea and Mongolia Department at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Vorontsov says.
"The issue that arises today is the fulfillment of these sanctions. One of the objectives the U.S. Special Representative is pursuing is the establishment of a single front to put pressure on North Korea, which is impossible without unity in the interpretation of the UNSC decisions. Russia believes that these sanctions are aimed only at limiting of North Korea’s missile –nuclear programmes, not at undermining the public sector of its economy, while the Americans, the Japanese, and the South Koreans are trying to interpret sanctions in a broader sense. Among the topics that Glyn Davies discussed in Moscow was one more topic. Americans are dissatisfied with the current situation on the Korean Peninsula and , as it appears, parallel with the officially declared policy aimed at toughening pressure on North Korea are probing the ways towards the establishment of a dialogue with Pyongyang. Russia has a unique potential for fulfilling mediatory functions. Of great importance here is the potential of good relations and cooperation existing between Russia and North Korea. Of course, in the first place North Korea is interested in direct contacts with the USA. Americans are equally interested in them."
This expert also pointed out Russia’s growing role in the establishment of a dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang under the conditions when China’s ability in this issue slightly weakened. This is caused by the fact that at the talks on sanctions regarding North Korea that were held at the UN Security Council, China took a tougher stand as compared with its former one. This caused Pyongyang’s irritation.
Under these conditions, Russia may try not only to urge the two sides to show restraint but also to act as mediator in fuelling a bilateral dialogue for their reconciliation, Alexander Vorontsov said. Judging by statements made by North Korean diplomats, North Korea is morally ready for such a dialogue, the expert said. Pyongyang believes that first of all, the two Koreas must take care of the peace on the Korean Peninsula.
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