South Korea Skeptical On Talks With North Korea

South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se (C) speaks during a press conference in Seoul, South Korea, May 27, 2013. (Yonhap News Agency)

Seoul Opposes ‘Talks for Talks’ Sake’ With North -- New York Times

SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea opposes engaging North Korea in another round of “talks for talks’ sake,” its foreign minister said on Monday, after a special envoy from North Korea reportedly told Beijing that it was ready to return to the negotiating table.

The North Korean envoy, Vice Marshal Choe Ryong-hae, made the statement when he met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Friday, according to official Chinese media. Reporting the same meeting, however, North Korea’s state-run media reported neither Vice Marshal Choe’s comment nor Mr. Xi’s call for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

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More News On South Korea's Skepticism Of Having Talks With North Korea

S. Korean foreign minister says N. Korea must commit to denuclearization before talks -- Arirang news Agency
S. Korea urges N. Korea to show 'sincerity' on denuclearization -- Yonhap News Agency
South Korea dismisses North dialogue 'offer' -- AFP
Chill on the Peninsula: Seoul shuns N. Korea's efforts to soothe tensions -- RT
Talks with N.Korea Must Not Repeat the Cycle of Failure -- Chosun Ilbo
S. Korea appoints new envoy to N. Korea 6-way talks: Yonhap -- Global Post

My Comment: North Korea's remarks that they want talks but their nuclear program is off the table is a non-starter .... the South has every right to be skeptical. On a more positive note .... South Korea's diplomatic focus on China over North Korea is the smart and right policy for now.

Update: Prospect of N Korea dialogue still bleak -- Song Sang-ho, The Korea Herald/Asia News Network