Foreign, unification ministries at odds over consultative body on NK issues

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Unification appear to be at odds over the planned launch of a new South Korea-U.S. consultative body on North Korea's nuclear issues. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said Monday that his ministry is still reviewing whether to participate in the group, even as the foreign ministry moves ahead with plans to launch regular consultations this week. The differing positions underscore a subtle power struggle between the two ministries. Officials at the unficiation ministry, which is in charge of inter-Korean affairs, appear concerned that the consultative body could be heavily influenced by U.S. decision-making. The talks are intended to fine-tune the pace and direction of Seoul and Washington’s North Korea policy as the allies seek to revive dialogue with Pyongyang. According to diplomatic sources, Jeong Yeon-doo, vice minister for intelligence and North Korean nuclear issues at the foreign ministry, and acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Kevin Kim are expected to lead the regular consultative meeting starting as early as Tuesday. "WeWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times