Nuclear Nonproliferation in Korea

Nuclear Nonproliferation in Republic of Korea in 2013

United States views on international law [1] in relation to Nuclear Nonproliferation in Republic of Korea: The United States and the Republic of Korea (“ROK”) continued negotiations in 2013 to replace their existing agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation, set to expire in March 2014. On April 24, 2013, the State Department issued a media note explaining that the parties had decided to extend the agreement for two years in order to allow time for resolution of significant technical issues. The media note, available at (Secretary of State website) state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2013/04/207922.htm, is excerpted below.**

Some Aspects of Nuclear Nonproliferation in Republic of Korea

The United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are global leaders and partners in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. To renew and modernize this fruitful and longstanding partnership, we have made significant progress in negotiations to replace the current agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation, which is set to expire March 19, 2014. We seek to conclude a successor agreement that serves as a strong foundation for U.S.-ROK bilateral civil nuclear cooperation for the future, reinforces our partnership as major nuclear suppliers, bolsters our overall bilateral relationship, and reaffirms our common commitment to nonproliferation. We also seek to work together to address common challenges, including those related to spent nuclear fuel management and reliable supplies of nuclear fuel to undergird our respective nuclear industries.

Developments

Because our cooperation is increasingly broad and deep, there are several complex technical issues that will take some additional time and effort to resolve. To provide time for our negotiators to finalize an agreement that meets these important goals, and to meet our respective legal requirements for approval of such an agreement, the United States and the ROK have decided to seek a two-year extension of the current agreement. The Administration will begin immediately to consult with Congress on extending the existing agreement. An extension would ensure there is no lapse in ongoing cooperation and would maintain stability and predictability in our joint commercial activities.

Details

During this extended period, the United States and the ROK will continue negotiations in order to finalize a successor agreement. We expect to hold our next round of discussions on that successor agreement in June 2013 and intend to meet approximately quarterly thereafter.

More

On June 27, 2013, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State Thomas Countryman testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the ongoing negotiations with the ROK of a successor agreement on nuclear cooperation. His testimony, excerpted below, is available at (Secretary of State website) state.gov/t/isn/rls/rm/2013/211328.htm.

More

The current agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation, or 123 Agreement, between the United States and the Republic of Korea entered into force in March 1973 and expires in March 2014. The United States and the Republic of Korea began negotiating a successor agreement in 2010, and we have made substantial progress in creating a text that properly reflects both our governments' roles as global leaders in nuclear energy and our mutual commitment to the highest standards of nonproliferation. Because of the breadth and depth of our current and future nuclear cooperation with the Republic of Korea, it takes some time and effort to resolve complex technical issues. I have no doubt that we will get there.

Resources

Notes

1. Nuclear Nonproliferation in Republic of Korea in the Digest of United States Practice in International Law