U.S. president reaffirms N. Korea will not be rewarded for provocations


U.S. President Barack Obama on Monday repeated his stern message to North Korea: “There will be no rewards for provocations.”

Speaking to hundreds of students and dignitaries at the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, Obama urged the North Korean leadership to “have the courage to pursue peace.”

His remarks came as the reclusive state is preparing to launch what it claims to be a satellite on a long-range rocket in mid-April in celebration of the centennial birthday of its founder Kim Il-sung, falling on April 15.

“Here in Korea, I want to speak directly to the leaders in Pyongyang. The United States has no hostile intent toward your country,” said Obama who is here to attend the Nuclear Security Summit on his initiative of anti-nuclear terrorism.

“We are committed to peace. And we are prepared to take steps to improve relations, which is why we have offered nutritional aid to North Korean mothers and children.”

The announcement came after Pyongyang agreed on Feb. 29 to put a moratorium on nuclear and missile tests in exchange for “nutritional assistance” as a pre-step for the resumption of the multilateral denuclearization talks.

Alluding to the plan for the rocket launch, which observers say is a cover for testing the Taepodong-2 ballistic missile, Obama reiterated that the North’s provocative action will result in further isolation and hardships for its people.

“But by now it should be clear, your provocations and pursuit of nuclear weapons have not achieved the security you seek, they have undermined it. Instead of the dignity you desire, you’re more isolated. Instead of earning the respect of the world, you’ve been met with strong sanctions,” Obama said.

“You can continue down the road you are on, but we know where that leads. It leads to more of the same -- more broken dreams, more isolation, ever more distance between the people of North Korea and the dignity and the opportunity that they deserve.”

The president gave the speech after visiting the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas Sunday, after which he reflected upon it as “the world’s clearest contrast between a country committed to progress, a country committed to its people, and a country that leaves its own citizens to starve.”

Officials in Seoul and Washington believe North Korea had transported the main body of a long-range rocket to its northwestern launch site of Tongchang-ri on Sunday.

Staying in tune with the summit, Obama addressed the issue of nuclear safety and the U.S.’ role, referring to the country’s own dark past in an argument for a world without nuclear weapons.

“I say this as President of the only nation ever to use nuclear weapons. I say it as a Commander in Chief who knows that our nuclear codes are never far from my side.”

In the same vein as North Korea, Obama also gave Iran an ultimatum, saying punishment will be dealt for those who break the rules, stressing Iran’s “obligations.”

“Iran also stands alone, as the only member of the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty) unable to convince the international community that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.”

“There is time to solve this diplomatically. But time is short,” he said, referring to U.S. and ally belief that Iran is pursuing illicit nuclear programs.

Some 700 students broke into thunderous applause when Obama mentioned that boundaries are broken, “with your smartphones and Twitter and Me2Day and Kakaotalk.”

“It’s no wonder so many people around the world have caught the Korean Wave, Hallyu.”

“We stand together, we work together, we go together,” said the president before finishing with his favorite Korean catch-phrase “Katchi Kapshida” -- “let’s go together.”

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)