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Brady: N. Korea deal a 'positive move'
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A GOP lawmaker said Monday international efforts targeting North Korea’s nuclear program offer positive signs towards disarmament, despite discord among congressional Republicans regarding a plan allowing inspections of that country’s infrastructures.
Whether diplomacy will work, however, remains to be seen, Rep. Kevin Brady (R-8), of The Woodlands, told The Examiner.
The U.S. State Department announced Oct. 11 the United States removed N. Korea from the department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism following an accord met by six countries who are committed to the disarmament of North Korea’s weapons program, including a plutonium plant in Yongbyon.
The terms of inspections agreed upon by the Six-Party Talks, Brady said, appear to be positive for both the U.S. and nations with a stake in North Korea.
“If it works it will be a good step forward,” Brady said. “I'm always skeptical about North Korea's intentions, but generally this appears to be a positive move. A nuclear North Korea is a threat to our national security.”
Over the weekend, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle were careful in addressing the plan as the Nov. 4 general election looms three weeks away.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the Republican candidate for president, expressed concern about the plan and said the Bush Administration needed to offer reasons for how the agreement “advances American interests and those of our allies” before he could support the decision.
Democratic hopeful Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) approached the subject briefly, saying the deal is appropriate “as long as there is a clear understanding that if North Korea failed to follow through, there will be immediate consequences.”
The Six-Party Talks include the U.S., N. Korea, S. Korea, China, Japan and Russia. The six parties have met to discuss N. Korean disarmament since 2003.
North Korea agreed to deactivate their Yongbyon plant in 2007, in exchange for fuel and steps to normalize relations between the country and the U.S., Japan.
For more info: North Korea Removed from Terror List
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