Denuclearization of the DPRK - A Role for the United Nations?
The denuclearization of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) continues to be a source of considerable international concern. Yet, no coherent international framework has emerged to deal with this challenge in parallel with the regional mechanism of the six-party talks. With the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference set for 2010, appropriately addressing the DPRK nuclear issue is being identiļ¬ ed as essential to maintaining the strength of the NPT. Can the United Nations (UN) afford to take a back seat in attempts at resolution? This article examines the potential of, and prospects for, an active UN role in facilitating Pyongyang’s denuclearization process.