国际英语新闻:DPRK high-level visit to Incheon Asiad signals readiness for dialogue

Although Pyongyang kept slamming the Park administration for "confrontational policies" toward the DPRK, the recent statements released to Seoul are cautiously-worded without the use of very harsh rhetoric or threat of military attacks, possibly leaving room for repair of relations.

On Thursday, the DPRK ambassador to the UN So Se Pyong said the DPRK is not planning a nuclear or missile test and is ready for a new round of six-party talks, sending a message that the DPRK may resume the talks under certain circumstances.

In the interview, So also stressed that the DPRK developed nuclear programs only to "protect itself" from attacks of the United States as a self-defense measure.

So's remarks echoed the DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Su Yong's speech at the United Nations.

On Sept. 27, Ri Su Yong emphasized at the UN that the DPRK's nuclear program is not a bargaining chip for an exchange of something else, but an "inevitable" counter measure to deal with the U.S. hostile policy.

Also on Saturday, the DPRK Foreign Ministry spokesman again lashed out at the U.S. anti-DPRK campaign, accusing the United States of using human rights record and nuclear issue as a pretext to smash down the DPRK's social system.

In the statement, Pyongyang expressed fears that the United States would "swallow up" the country once it has chosen to disarm itself and remove the nuclear program.

"The discussion of denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula will be meaningless as the U.S. is set to bring down the DPRK's state system at any cost," said the spokesman, apparently revealing Pyongyang's worries that without the self-claimed "treasured sword" -- the nuclear weapons, the country would find it impossible to defend itself from any external interference or attacks.

The DPRK senior officials' visit to Incheon, as analysts see, has demonstrated that Pyongyang is open to dialogue and will hopefully open a new page for easing tensions between the north and the south.

Experts also believe the visit itself is exactly the DPRK's action to implement the October 4 Declaration, as Pyongyang has consistently claim the concluded documents are the starting points and a cornerstone for improving inter-Korean ties.

However, for Seoul's part, Chongwadae's DPRK policies may also need a bit of adjustment and compromise to clear away obstacles to the development of the relationship and beyond.