June 16, 1999

Diplomacy Needed to End Korean conflict, Church Executive says

United Methodist News Feature

Contact: Linda Bloom · (212) 870-3803 · New York

NEW YORK (UMNS) -- A policy of engagement, not confrontation, is most likely to solve the longstanding conflict between the United States and North Korea, according to a United Methodist official familiar with the situation.

The Rev. S. Michael Hahm, an executive with the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, spoke about the need for continued humanitarian aid and communication with North Korea, as well as a consistent U.S. policy toward the Asian nation, during a June 15 board briefing.

North Korea's leaders must have the opportunity "to make adjustment to their system without losing face with the Korean people or in the world's eyes," said Hahm, who has made a number of trips to the country.

President Clinton dispatched an envoy, former Defense Secretary William Perry, to North Korea in late May with a proposal that the United States lift its 50-year-old economic embargo in exchange for major concessions. After the Korean War ended in a stalemate in 1953, the United States prohibited nearly all trade, investment and travel with the north. North Korea has yet to respond to the recent proposal, but Hahm noted that Perry's expected policy recommendations could provide a basis for a consistent U.S. policy.

"Policies that engage the DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) government effectively and promote change and moderation will stand a greater chance of resolving the present crisis and bringing North Korea into the world community," he explained.

In the meantime, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and other church-related agencies continue to respond to the famine in North Korea.

"The solution to the food crisis is rehabilitation and modification of the North Korean economy, especially the agricultural sector," Hahm said. The North Koreans are willing to change their economy, "but they need help."

Economic change also would stimulate political change, although that will happen more slowly, he added. Already, for example, North Korea has sent representatives to Shanghai, Singapore and even Washington to learn more about a market economy.

Increased communication is vital. Since 1986, the Board of Global Ministries has sent delegations to North Korea and received groups from the country's Korean Christian Federation.

"Political, economic, social and religious delegations are a high priority with the DPRK leadership," Hahm said. "They provide Korean middle management with experience outside their country and greater perspective regarding the situation between Korea and the rest of the developed world.

To further improve relations with North Korea, according to Hahm, the U.S. government should: