No bargaining with North Korea

North Korea's decision to go back to the table and start bargaining on its nuclear weapons programme in return for lifted sanctions seems to be an overambitious step.

Curiously enough, it also appears that the decision to conduct the talks strangely coincides with a dynastic succession as the notorious, but ailing, leader Kim Jong-il paves the way for his son Kim Jong-un to assume the mantle of ruler of the communist party.

As far as its nuclear plans are concerned, the north has been declared a ‘rogue' state. And in keeping with international policies there should be no lifting of sanctions, especially when the country's extreme policies do not illustrate trust and credibility.

Denuclearisation is the aim and the North Korean leadership should ask itself why their people are deprived. With the abandonment of the nuclear programme and the lifting of sanctions, the country and its people could well return to a path of peace and progress.