Q: How do you see relations between Japan and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea)?

A: It's good that Japan and North Korea are holding talks and promoting exchanges. In the past, the government of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) demanded that Japan and the United States keep pace and be in concord with the progress of North-South relations in their dealings with Pyongyang. But in encouraging North Korea to change and be more open, it doesn't matter which country goes first. In the end, North-South dialogue and cooperation are indispensable.

Q: What are your expectations for Japan?

A: Japan needs to make an effort to tell North Korea in no uncertain terms that it is against the current of the times to try to secure survival through the production of weapons of mass destruction. It should say so while showing goodwill with food aid. Furthermore, Japan can play a major role as a leading democracy and economic power. That will also serve as a path to settle its past history.

Q: How do you see the Perry process?

A: North Korea promised to freeze its missile firings and is prepared to take part in high-level talks with the United States. I understand this as "fundamental acceptance'' of the Perry process. But ``deciding a course'' and "how fast it can move'' are two different matters.

　North Korea still appears uncertain of our policy of magnanimity (sunshine policy). It may resort to a tactic of having South Korea, the United States and Japan concede as much as possible.

　North Korea has no choice but to change. With no energy or food forthcoming from the former Soviet Union and China, it is left with no choice but to resolve the situation independently. But since it is unable to help itself, it is growing increasingly dependent on foreign countries. In the long term, it has no choice but to accept our sunshine policy.

Q: The goal of the Perry process is to end the Cold War on the Korean Peninsula. What do you think of this?

A: In other words, the aim is peaceful coexistence. If free traffic and trade is established between South and North Korea, the purpose of the sunshine policy is accomplished. Peaceful unification is the next step.

　In terms of institutions, the cease-fire agreement of the Korean War should be replaced with a peace agreement. I hope we can come and go freely and cooperate with each other under a peace agreement. For that, we must build mutual confidence.

Q: What do you think about a cooperative security system in Northeast Asia?

A: Coexistence and unification of the Korean Peninsula are a problem between South and North Korea. But at the same time, it is a problem that needs the understanding and support of surrounding countries. Therefore, along with North-South dialogue, we are holding quadrilateral talks (among North and South Korea and the United States and China). Furthermore, we think we need to hold six-party talks (that include Japan and Russia).

Q: How do you see Japan's moves such as the passage of laws related to the new Japan-U.S. guidelines for defense cooperation?

A: Basically, it is a problem of Japan's sovereignty and something I don't want to meddle with. However, Japan should fully explain its intentions and the contents of the guidelines to all surrounding countries so as not to stimulate an arms race in the region and make an effort at seeking their understanding. Transparency is needed.

Q: What about the concept of a nuclear-free zone in Northeast Asia?

A: In reality, many countries possess nuclear weapons. The problem is the nature of their governments. South Korea is now very sensitive about North Korea's suspected nuclear program. How can the nuclear threat be eliminated from the Korean Peninsula? That was why North and South Korea adopted a joint declaration to remove nuclear weapons.

　We will cooperate with denuclearization of the region, but for now, our main concern is making the Korean Peninsula nuclear-free.

　Hong Soon Young, 62, served as a presidential aide in charge of state affairs, ambassador to Russia and vice minister of foreign affairs before he assumed his post of foreign affairs and trade minister in August 1998. He left the post after this interview in December.