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By Choi Ha-young
Experts positively assessed the outcome of the inter-Korean summit, entitled "Panmunjeom Agreement," released Friday, while expressing mixed forecasts about the planned summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
"The two Koreas agreed on complete denuclearization, which means no nuclear weapons throughout the Korean peninsula. It couldn't be better," said Yang Moo-jin, professor at University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.
Yang expected the U.S. will guarantee the regime's security in exchange for ditching nuclear programs. "The two leaders stipulated economic cooperation, showing confidence in their envisioned denuclearization plan. Without progresses in denuclearization, they can't push ahead economic cooperation."
Hwang Ji-hwan, associate professor at University of Seoul, paid attention to the term "denuclearization of the Korean peninsula" rather than "denuclearization of North Korea," which implies withdrawal of U.S. nuclear umbrella provided for Seoul.
"The U.S. and Pyongyang may dispute over the denuclearization of the peninsula in planned summit," Hwang said. "The North may urge nuclear arms reduction around the peninsula, including the U.S. nuclear umbrella to protect its allies."
Cho Han-bum, senior fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification, analyzed the term was adopted by Kim, out of needs to convince North Koreans of the result of the negotiation.
"The term was inevitable for Kim who is required to persuade North Koreans," Cho said.
"From now on, the U.S. will estimate how many nuclear bombs the North has obtained, agonizing over the deadline of the denuclearization process. I expect the Washington-Pyongyang meetings will go smoothly."
Kyungnam University Professor Kim Dong-yup noted that the latest inter-Korean agreement has successfully established the framework of inter-Korean ties.
Regarding some criticism that the summit should have focused on nuclear issue rather than embracing wide-ranging cooperative projects and ease of military tension, Kim said such diverse approach would help consolidate "robust inter-Korean ties."
"The joint declaration shows firm willingness of leaders of the North and South that they will resolve the issues of the peninsula centering on inter-Korean relations, not shaken by unpredictable U.S.-North Korea relations and denuclearizing process which will be like a roller coaster."
