Lee Nak-yeon Proposes New Peace Plan for North Korea Denuclearization: 'Interim Agreement - Comprehensive Nuclear Agreement'

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] On the 17th, Lee Nak-yeon, former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed a new peace initiative for the Korean Peninsula that adopts a two-step approach involving a 'provisional agreement' as a solution for North Korea's denuclearization.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 17th, Lee announced this at a symposium titled ‘Prospects for Northeast Asia in the Biden Era and Korea’s Role,’ co-hosted with his think tank, 'Yeondae wa Gongsaeng' (Solidarity and Coexistence).

Lee stated, “The Biden administration’s strategy for North Korea’s denuclearization needs to change,” adding, “As the first step, a provisional agreement with North Korea could be reached to freeze and begin rollback (dismantlement) of nuclear activities, dispatch inspection teams, and gradually ease economic sanctions. Then, a comprehensive nuclear agreement including complete denuclearization and a peace treaty framework could be finalized through a phased approach.”

Lee noted, “It is not easy to apply the new peace initiative for the Korean Peninsula in the current frozen inter-Korean relations,” and expressed hope that “the Moon Jae-in administration would reopen the path for inter-Korean dialogue through a second Panmunjom Declaration.”

He continued, “The United States should actively express its willingness to engage in dialogue to address North Korea’s security concerns,” adding, “A key measure would be to promptly appoint a U.S. Special Representative for North Korea, a position vacant since Stephen Biegun.”

Regarding the resolution of Korea-Japan relations, Lee said, “There are still unresolved issues such as the comfort women and forced labor problems,” and suggested, “If government-level consultations have limitations, the two countries might consider establishing a so-called 'Wise Persons’ Meeting' with full authority to resolve current issues.”

He also remarked, “The decision to discharge Fukushima contaminated water is further complicating Korea-Japan relations,” emphasizing, “Japan’s transparent disclosure of information is urgently needed. I propose that Japan consider a joint investigation and verification plan involving objective international organizations and neighboring countries including Korea.”

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