Major disaster could open door to N. Korea talks, Japanese disaster expert says
A major natural disaster in North Korea could create an opening for engagement with the isolated regime through humanitarian aid, according to a Japanese disaster expert who once coordinated with North Korean officials at the United Nations. He noted that the U.N. had discussed such an approach and that disasters have helped thaw relations elsewhere. “In the event of a major disaster in North…
A Japanese disaster expert has suggested that a major natural catastrophe in North Korea could potentially pave the way for diplomatic engagement with the isolated nation. Yuichi Ono, a professor at Tohoku University and deputy director of the International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), made this assertion during a meeting with South Korean journalists visiting Japan as part of a South Korea-Japan journalists' exchange program on October 23.
Ono pointed out that the United Nations has contemplated utilizing humanitarian aid as a means to establish contact with North Korea during times of crisis. He noted that disasters have previously contributed to easing tensions in other regions. "In the event of a major disaster in North Korea, neighboring countries -- including China, South Korea, Russia and Japan -- could potentially provide humanitarian assistance," Ono stated.
Furthermore, Ono revealed that the idea has been discussed within the United Nations itself. "We actually discussed within the U.N. whether a major disaster might serve as a catalyst for the country to open its doors," he explained. "Statistically speaking, it's only a matter of time before North Korea experiences such an event."
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
