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Editorial: Don't push Pyongyang into a corner Asahi Shimbun, Tokyo April 26 The problem is how to stop North Korea from continuing to develop its nuclear capabilities beyond simply claiming possession of a few nukes as a negotiating tactic. The United States needs to loosen its stance of refusing to sit down at the negotiating table unless North Korea abandons all nuclear development. Pushing the country into a corner will have adverse effects. The United States needs to exhibit flexibility to establish an environment that would smooth the way toward North Korea accepting a compromise. "If North Korea really already possesses nuclear weapons, we cannot let it produce more, and any existing ones must be destroyed. Needless to say, we have to make sure it will never use weapons of mass destruction. Any attempt at a military solution would devastate South Korea and also have an enormous impact on Japan. It is not an option. The only realistic course is to maintain the present defensive military deterrent and extract a compromise from North Korea through negotiations. "North Korea's stance will fuel discussions at the United Nations about possible sanctions. Nuclear development leads to national self-destruction rather than revitalization. "Initially it was a shock to hear North Korea has nuclear weapons. However, we should not let that cloud our judgment. Japan possesses the diplomatic carrot of economic aid. Japan should continue to attempt to convince North Korea that the only route toward normalization of relations is through abandoning nuclear programs. LINKS: DAILY TIDINGS: Main | News | Sports | Obituaries | Opinion | Columnists | AP News | Subscribe | Archives | Weather | Classifieds | Contact Us | Privacy REVELS: Main | Calendar | Dining | Movies | T.V. OTHER: Road Cams Copyright 2003 Ashland Daily Tidings 541.482.3456. 1661 Siskiyou Blvd., Ashland, OR 97520. Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. - Advertisers -