KEDO's experience also teaches that you must stand firm with the North Koreans. They are masters at raising the tension level to realize their objectives. For example, in late 1995 the North's Ambassador Ho Jong threatened to have Pyongyang restart its nuclear weapons program if KEDO did not make certain concessions. Despite the risk of triggering a new nuclear crisis on the Korean peninsula, KEDO hung tough. Ho eventually dropped his demands.
Constant vigilance is warranted in dealing with North Korea.
The United States should not be surprised when Pyongyang engages in provocative actions, such as the August 1998 Taepo-dong 1 ballistic missile launch. It is entirely possible that they may threaten to test launch another ballistic missile later this year. It is therefore essential that anyone negotiating with the North not be afraid to walk away from the table. The United States should never be, or seem to be, more eager than the North to reach a deal. Offering the North inducements for simply showing up, or holding meetings solely for the sake of holding meetings, diminishes U.S. credibility in Pyongyang and elsewhere around the world.