Peters joins diplomatic bid to ease North Korea tensions
Foreign Minister Winston Peters kicks off his international year with a crucial first meeting – he is among a select group of politicians summoned to find a diplomatic way through the North Korea crisis.
There has been controversy in the lead-up to the United States and Canadian convened meeting – Russia and China are not attending, meaning two of North Korea’s most influential neighbours won’t be at the table.
But 21 foreign ministers from other countries will be there – including Australia, Canada, France, India, Japan, South Korea, Britain, and the US.
Eyebrows have been raised, however, over some of the other players
– with Colombia and Greece reportedly sending representatives.
The purpose of the ‘‘Vancouver Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Security and Stability on the Korean Peninsula’’ is to exert diplomatic pressure on the rogue state.
The meeting is intended to ‘‘demonstrate international solidarity against North Korea’s dangerous and illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programmes’’, according to official statements.
Peters says New Zealand wants North Korea to understand the importance the international community places on North Korea ‘‘returning to a meaningful dialogue on denuclearisation’’.
Given the select guest list – and the sensitivity surrounding it – New Zealand might also seem like a peripheral player. But there are some important reasons for our inclusion.
Last week New Zealand joined 17 countries in a joint statement pledging to enforce United Nations sanctions on North Korea.
These countries belong to the Proliferation Security Initiative, a global grouping that seeks to block shipments of materials used to make nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.
According to a US state department spokesman, the invitation list is largely based on countries who are ‘‘UN command sending states’’ – or countries that sent combat support and or humanitarian aid to support the Republic of Korea during the Korean war.
But Peters also brings something extra to the table. He is one of the few Western politicians to have struck up a personal relationship with the North Korean leadership. He made a rare trip behind the demilitarised zone in 2007 and has previously written about his insights from that trip.
Peters is cautious when asked about that relationship but confirms he has maintained his ‘‘connections’’ with the North Korean regime.
But he won’t bite when asked if a return invitation is likely.
That is not something he can discuss at the moment, Peters says.
He is cautious responding to questions about whether Trump’s rhetoric has been unhelpful.
He is more concerned about the international community finding the right rhetoric to defuse a ‘‘very very worrying’’ situation, Peters says.