COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515

STATEMENT OF

THE HONORABLE ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA

CHAIRMAN

before the

SUBCOMMITTEE ON ASIA, THE PACIFIC, AND THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

The Six Party Process: Progress and Perils in North Korea's Denuclearization

October 25, 2007

On October 3, 2007, the six parties announced an agreement concerning the implementation of Phase Two which calls for a “complete declaration of all nuclear programs” by North Korea and “disablement of all existing nuclear facilities” in North Korea. I commend Secretary Christopher Hill for his role in these historic negotiations and I welcome him to today’s hearing which is being held jointly with the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade which is chaired by my good friend, Congressman Brad Sherman, who I commend for his leadership on this issue. I also commend our Ranking Members, Mr. Don Manzullo, and Mr. Ed Royce, and look forward to their comments.

Given that this is a joint hearing and in consideration of the Secretary’s time, we will recognize Chairman Sherman, and Ranking Members Manzullo and Royce for any opening statements they may have and as much time as they may consume. We will also recognize other Members of the subcommittee for two minute opening statements and we ask that all Members limit their questioning to 5 minutes.

By December 31, 2007, the new agreement specifies the disablement of North Korean nuclear installations and a complete and correct declaration of North Korea’s nuclear programs. In return, the US will fulfill its commitment by removing NK from the US list of state sponsors of terrorisms and terminating economic sanctions in parallel with North Korea’s actions. The US and North Korea will also increase bilateral exchanges and enhance mutual trust.

Upon completion of Phase Two, a separate negotiation could begin over a Korean pace agreement to replace the 1953 Korean armistice. A Korean peace agreement negotiation is a high priority for the government of South Korea and I support such efforts.

The Bush Administration has also joined South Korea, China, and Russia in financing the provision of the one million tons of heavy oil that North Korea is to receive under the February 2007 agreement. I support these efforts, too, and applaud the Administration, Secretary Rice, and Assistant Secretary Hill for the way they have successfully managed the North Korean crisis thus far. I also give due credit to China which is often overlooked for the positive role it has played in these negotiations.

While diplomacy is working, we can agree that serious problems still lie ahead especially as we try and determine to what extent North Korea has shared nuclear know-how with Iran and Syria. I continue to also have serious concerns about Pakistan. North Korea’s began its highly enriched uranium (HEU) program with Pakistani assistance. The US also continues to subsidize Pakistan’s military at about $80 million per month which is roughly equal to one-quarter of Pakistan’s total defense expenditures. What the public may not know is that North Korea and Pakistan have been engaged in conventional arms trade for over 30 years and, in 2006, General Musharraf admitted that Pakistan has transferred nuclear technology to North Korea, and other rogue nations.

What does a Pakistan-North Korea alliance mean for India and why does the US continue to turn a blind eye? These questions are daunting and given the dangerous circumstances of our times and the potential for nuclear proliferation in the Asia Pacific region, I believe our most important responsibility is to do all in our power to further peace.

Again, I commend Secretary Hill for the work he is doing and I look forward to his testimony regarding the progress and perils in North Korea’s denuclearization.

At this time, I recognize Chairman Sherman for any opening remarks he may have.