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Europe could participate in compensation for N. Korea's denuclearization: French envoy
By Tony Chang
SEOUL, Oct. 7 (Yonhap) -- France's special envoy for North Korea said Wednesday that European countries could possibly take part in the international community's compensation process for North Korea when the communist country ultimately decides to give up its nuclear program.
"Yes, I believe Europe could participate in such (a) cooperative process," Jack Lang, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's special envoy to the North, said in a press conference. Lang made the remark when asked whether France could possibly participate in the compensation process.
Lang, who offered the view in his private capacity through an interpreter, was confident that Europe "was capable in cooperating (with international community) for peace and security (of the world)."
Sarkozy appointed the former culture minister to his current post Thursday to assess the possible contributions his country could make in dealing with the nuclear crisis and breaking the communist nation's diplomatic isolation. Lang, who was on a tour to nations involved in the denuclearization talks, arrived in Seoul Tuesday for a week-long stay.
France and other European nations, while not participating in the six-way disarmament talks, have been active in trying to help resolve the nuclear crisis and aid the impoverished nation.
Lang, who was tentatively set to visit North Korea next month, said he wasn't yet sure who he would meet in Pyongyang, but "hoped to meet the most high-level" official there, apparently expressing his hope to meet with the country's leader, Kim Jong-il.
France made the request for a visit to North Korea about two weeks ago, and the North offered an agreement, according to Lang. Although the exact date and itinerary of his visit to the North has yet to be set, it will most likely be a two-day trip.
"If the North accepts, I can stay there for more than two days," Lang said.
What kind of message he will take to the North hasn't been decided, the envoy said, adding that the content will be determined after he completes his regional tour and reports back to his president.
Lang is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on President Lee Myung-bak and National Assembly Speaker Kim Hyong-o on Thursday. He also plans to travel to the southern port city of Busan later this week to attend an international film festival.
odissy@yna.co.kr
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