Japanese Yomiuri: "Lee Do-hoon to Request US for North Korea Sanctions Relief"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Japanese media reported that the South Korean government is expected to request the United States to ease sanctions on North Korea, citing the situation on the Korean Peninsula. There is also speculation that South Korea may independently provide aid to North Korea if the U.S. does not agree to ease the sanctions.

On the 19th, Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun reported, citing sources from South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, that Lee Do-hoon, head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Office for Peace and Security Affairs on the Korean Peninsula, visited the U.S. to persuade Washington to ease sanctions on North Korea. According to the source cited by Yomiuri, Lee appealed that "the situation is becoming urgent and is expected to persuade (the U.S.) to agree to ease economic sanctions on North Korea." However, Yomiuri predicted that the U.S. would not accept such a request, citing North Korea’s lack of substantive steps toward denuclearization.

Lee, who visited the U.S. on the 17th (local time), reportedly discussed the situation on the Korean Peninsula?including North Korea’s demolition of the inter-Korean joint liaison office and indications of military actions against the South?with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State and Special Representative for North Korea, Stephen Biegun. There is also speculation that if the U.S. does not move to ease sanctions, South Korea may independently provide aid to North Korea.

Yomiuri, citing sources, reported that "if consultations regarding the easing of sanctions do not proceed well, South Korea will consider the option of providing aid independently." The newspaper also stated that Lee’s visit to the U.S. was not only to persuade for easing sanctions but also to convey the possibility that South Korea might independently provide aid to North Korea if the U.S. does not agree.

The source said, "South Korea’s independent aid options include resuming inter-Korean economic cooperation projects such as Mt. Kumgang tourism and the Kaesong Industrial Complex, as well as medical support."

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