What options does Seoul have to bring NK to negotiating table?

South Korea’s options for coaxing North Korea back to the negotiating table appear to be narrowing after its national security adviser ruled out scaling back joint military exercises with the United States — a step some officials had floated as a possible incentive for talks. Diplomatic observers said Monday that Seoul’s remaining options include reviving an inter-Korean military agreement with Pyongyang intended to reduce tensions along the border, and bolstering its diplomatic leverage with China and Russia, the North’s traditional patrons. At a press conference the previous day, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said scaling back annual South Korea-U.S. joint exercises to revive inter-Korean dialogue was not under consideration. His remarks pushed back against suggestions from senior officials, including Unification Minister Chung Dong-young, who hoped that such a move could help draw Pyongyang back to the table. "We have no specific comment on the national security adviser's remarks. However, the joint drills carry important implications not only for military affairs butWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times