Opinion | Editorials
Do not isolate North Korea
International community should carefully handle fresh tension between both Koreas.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:31 November 29, 2008
The recent build-up of tension between North Korea and South Korea is disappointing. It had taken a long time to improve relations between the two countries. The new strain on bilateral relations is likely to result in unwelcome consequences.
Efforts to engage North Korea have been building up over a period of time, with the international community becoming part of the exercise. Undoubtedly, it is important that the country keeps its doors open - even if the process is carried on an extremely conservative scale - as it plays an important role in relation to its neighbours.
In this context, North Korea's decision to suspend all tours to its border city of Kaesong beginning next month undermines all efforts invested in bringing about change in how the country deals with the international community. The importance of this border city stems from its establishment as a commercial hub between the two Koreas.
But the issue at hand is not limited to the economic aspect of the relationship between the two Koreas. Having North Korea retreat into complete isolation once again is dangerous. The world community therefore, needs to pursue the matter so that the momentum gained thus far is not lost.
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