North Korea's nuclear disarmament is a triumph for diplomatic engagement: UAE papers

Abu Dhabi, Feb.14 2007(UPI/GNA) --Two major UAE newspapers today hailed the six-nation talks that persuaded North Korea to dismantle its nuclear facilities, saying it was a significant triumph for diplomatic engagement..
 
In its Wednesday's editorial comment, Dubai-based Khaleej Times said: "At a time when the argument for negotiated settlements is finding little favour with the world's top policy makers, North Korea's nuclear disarmament agreement following the six-nation talks marks a significant triumph for diplomatic engagement"..
 
Recalling the tensions and circumstances that had long dominated the North Korean nuke programme, the paper said the deal was commendable by any standards, especially considering the ?military strike? and ?sea of fire? exchanges that have dominated the headlines for the past few years..
 
"The deal also epitomises the give-and-take philosophy central to diplomatic settlements.
 
Extremist as the N Korean regime is, there is weight in the argument that it pushed the nuclear button to be taken more seriously by the West in the negotiations.
 
And the present course does suggest that if more had been offered earlier, there might have been less friction in East Asia", it said..
 
This deal , said the paper, should set an important precedent for modern day international politics.
 
As more voices cry for moderation in approaching the Iranian nuclear issue, it must be kept in mind that there are few historical examples of force accomplishing more than talks, whatever the limitations of the latter.
 
"Instead of some of the scepticism being expressed by certain quarters in the US that the fuel for nuclear-freeze plays into Pyongyang's hands, there should be appreciation that what was all but dismissed as a political deadlock has begun to sort itself out.
 
These are indeed unprecedented times in terms of factors influencing international relations.
 
And as more precedents are set, settling of North Korea's nuclear problem marks one for diplomacy", the paper..
 
Dubai-based Gulf News also concurred with this view, saying" "For six years, the White House, with a Republican-controlled Congress, treated North Korea with deep hostility, even referring to it as part of the axis of evil.
 
Weeks after the Democrats' sweeping gains, and all of a sudden a deal is on the table. Pyongyang must act towards nuclear disarmament within 60 days and in return the economically stricken country will receive50 , 000tonnes of fuel oil or economic aid of equal value"..
 
It is difficult to imagine this type of agreement being reached just four months ago, said the paper , adding: "The deal is remarkably similar to that brokered by the Clinton White House and scrapped by the present administration.
 
It not only reflects the changed circumstances in Washington, it demonstrates the persuasive power of an emerging China, North Korea's closest ally. Beijing did the diplomatic spadework to reconvene the long-stalled talks between itself, North and South Korea, the US, Russia and Japan.
 
But the over-riding lesson of the breakthrough in Beijing shows that old-fashioned, sensible diplomacy can work and should be given every opportunity in other nuclear disputes..
14 FEB. 07