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Tensions between North Korea and South Korea have escalated sharply this week, but it’s unclear what — if any — role New Mexico Governor and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Bill Richardson is playing in diplomatic efforts.
Richardson appeared on CNN early Wednesday morning to discuss the crisis, and was scheduled to appear on the “Imus in the Morning” show. But he made none of his customary references to behind-the-scenes involvement with his North Korean contacts.
Richardson has frequently played a key back-channel diplomatic role with North Korea. Last summer, he hosted North Korean diplomats in Santa Fe.
North Korea cut off satellite communication with South Korea Wednesday morning, a week after U.S. and South Korean investigators announced evidence that the March 26 sinking of a South Korean submarine was the result of a North Korean torpedo attack.
According to Australian news media, South Korea lost track of four North Korean attack submarines early Wednesday.
With tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalating rapidly, however, there was no word of Richardson’s involvement in diplomatic efforts.
“It’s very serious,” Richardson said on CNN. “The reason now it’s so bad is North Korea has cut off communication with the South Koreans. There’s always been a satellite link. You want to avoid any…machismo that could provoke bloodshed or the possibility of warfare.”
The U.S. is obligated by treaty to become involved in combat if the two nations come to blows, Richardson said.
Asked why North Korea would have sunk the South Korean submarine in March, Richardson speculated that it may have been retaliation for damage North Korea claimed was done to one of their ships a year ago.
“But it could also be, (North Korean leader Kim Jong-il)’s showing his strength, preparing perhaps for the succession for him leaving office, perhaps for his young son (to take over),” Richardson said.
Provocative actions are taken by North Korea to “send a signal to the world” that the nation is important on the world stage, Richardson added.
Is Richardson being frozen out of diplomatic role?
Richardson has played an important role in U.S./North Korean relations for more than a decade. He twice helped secure North Korea’s release of American citizens, contributing to his nomination for a Nobel Peace Prize.
But U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton didn’t choose Richardson as the Obama Administration’s envoy to North Korea.
And last summer, former president Bill Clinton, rather than Richardson, was involved in securing the release of two American journalists held by North Korean authorities after crossing the border from China.
Last year, Richardson hosted North Korean diplomats in Santa Fe, ostensibly to discuss renewable energy.
He spent much of 2000 and 2001 studying U.S./North Korea diplomatic relations, and in 2003 the North Korean regime requested his involvement in nuclear arms talks. The Bush Administration asked Richardson to fly to North Korea for talks in 2005 and 2006.
Richardson has a master’s degree in International Affairs from Tufts University.
