61592 However, in view of the situation at the US Congress, these observations may prove unfounded.
61593 Mr. Gallucci, head of the US delegation for the US-North Korea negotiations, seems confident that the crude oil supply to North Korea will continue as promised.
61594 As long as North Korea adheres to the agreement, it seems difficult for Congress to revoke the agreement.
61595 Considering the present state of Congress, it is hard to imagine that all Republican congressmen will support the resolution to oppose the crude oil supply to North Korea.
61596 If the agreed-upon provision of the annual supply of approximately 500,000 tons of heavy oil is canceled and North Korea resumes its nuclear program, the Republican Party will be blamed.
61597 It seems unlikely that all Republican congressmen will agree to such a dangerous option.
61598 The US-North Korea agreement requires the parties to keep their commitments for ten years.
61599 From the perspective that North Korea would refuse special inspections, some say Japan will no longer have to offer funds when the execution of the agreement turns out to be difficult.
61600 We would rather not think that such a viewpoint exists at least inside the Japanese government.
61601 Japan has already announced to the world its commitment to pay a fair share to support North Korea's conversion to light water reactors.
61602 To emphasize that we are sincere about fulfilling this commitment will be the way to earn credibility worldwide.
61603 Further, in exchange for fulfilling our commitment, we should demand that North Korea abandon the development of missiles.
61604 It is said that there are some moves to ask Japanese businesses to take a part in the construction of the light water reactors depending on Japan's share of the cost.
61605 However, we should address this issue by taking into account our long-term relationship with our neighbors.
61606 In conjunction with the North Koran nuclear issue, it will not be in our best interest to leave an impression with the people of the Korean Peninsula that Japanese businesses are taking advantage of their situation.