북 서해발사장 해체 착수, 북미 협상 새 동력 되나? - 봉영식 박사 대담
Looking at these latest developments with us today is Dr. Bong Young-shik, from the Yonsei Institute for North Korean Studies. It's great to have you with us again.
My pleasure.
1 - There are reports that North Korea has started dismantling a rocket launch site, the Sohae Satellite Launching Station. Trump has welcomed this and its being seen as Kim carrying out the promise he made to Trump during their summit in Singapore. Can you tell us more about the Sohae Satellite Launching Station?
2 - How significant a move is this?
3 - The timing of this revelation comes as the U.S. released its advisory on North Korea sanctions. No new sanctions were introduced but it did reiterate the consequences for firms doing business with North Korea. Is this another tactic to put pressure on North Korea?
3a - There are reports saying that actually sanctions are not being enforced properly. Fuel prices at gas stations in North Korea are said to be dropping, suggesting more fuel is getting through than previously thought. How much does this weaken America's hand?
4 - If North Korea really has started dismantling its missile test site, then we can expect the North to ask the U.S. to fulfill more of its demands. The foremost demand it has made is for the U.S. to formally declare the end of the Korean War and work towards a peace treaty. Do you think Pyongyang will continue to push for that?
5 - The U.S. has said it has been pushing for inspectors to be allowed into North Korea to inspect the Sohae launch station. Pyongyang has so far been reluctant, with the regime only allowing reporters to watch the dismantling of the Punggye-ri test site in May. Do you think the North will allow inspectors to check Sohae?
6 - The dismantling of the missile launch station is something that was not written down in the joint statement signed by Trump and Kim in Singapore, but the return of the remains of U.S. soldiers was. It has been previously said that the remains could be returned this Friday to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the Korean War armistice agreement, but there does not seem to have been many follow-up discussions lately. Do you think it will go ahead?
