Bootijiji Prefers Gradual North Korean Denuclearization

NYT Cites Past Media Interviews
Denuclearization Seen as Long-Term Task
When Asked About Talks with Kim Jong-un if Elected, Sanders Says 'Yes', Biden Says 'No'

Former Mayor Buttigieg
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Peter Buttigieg, former mayor of South Bend who emerged as a surprise star in the U.S. Democratic presidential primary, is known to prefer a phased denuclearization approach as a solution to the North Korean nuclear issue.

On the 9th (local time), The New York Times (NYT) introduced this by referring to an interview with former Mayor Buttigieg.

In an earlier interview with the U.S. political media Foreign Policy, Buttigieg stated, "I believe that if North Korea stops producing nuclear materials and halts nuclear and missile tests, some sanctions can be eased accordingly." However, he expressed the view that if North Korea does not keep its promises, sanctions should be reinstated. He also said, "Sanctions must be maintained until there is truthfulness and verification regarding North Korea's nuclear program."

In an interview with the weekly magazine Time, he argued, "Denuclearization will not happen overnight, and we must accept that a sustained and phased approach over a considerable period is necessary," adding, "It is unrealistic to think that North Korea will completely eliminate its nuclear weapons." He further stated, "The most realistic method should be comprehensive and phased implementation." He also claimed, "The establishment of a lasting peace regime and normalization of relations can be achieved alongside substantial progress in denuclearization and sanctions relief measures."

However, former Mayor Buttigieg did not respond to most of the North Korea policy questions sent by NYT to major Democratic primary candidates.

In this inquiry, NYT asked each candidate about their North Korea policy, including whether they would continue the diplomatic policy that utilized the personal relationship between President Donald Trump and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un if elected, whether they would maintain maximum pressure to force North Korea to abandon its nuclear and missile programs, and whether they would ease sanctions step-by-step if nuclear development was frozen.

In this NYT inquiry, progressive-leaning Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren answered that they would maintain the personal relationship with Kim Jong-un that President Trump pursued if elected, whereas former Vice President Joe Biden and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said they had no such intention.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.