Democrat Bill Richardson to Take Top Role in Bush Talks with North Korea

Word comes today that, with Bush Administration approval, Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico, a Congressman from 1983-97 and UN Ambassador from 1997-98, will travel next week to North Korea participate in diplomatic talks arimed at persuading that country to give up its nuclear arms.

Richardson, a moderate Democrat and a "dark horse" candidate for the 2008 presidential race, is a gifted and respected diplomat who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1995, 1997, 2000 and 2001. He has personal charm, grace, wit and a "knack for finding a warm spot in even the surliest of despots," per Time magazine in 1996.

Bill Richardson has successfully won the release of hostages, soldiers and prisoners in Iraq, Cuba, the Sudan and North Korea. At the UN and beyond, he has defused and deflected difficulties and crises all over the world.

Governor Richardson has a special rapport with the North Koreans. Both as Congressman and UN Ambassador, he developed warm contacts in North Korea, and visited there many times. North Koreans travelled to New Mexico in 2003 to confer with Richardson over their nuclear program. It's believed that North Korea requested Governor Richardson's involvement in this new round of diplomatic talks.

"I am not an official envoy, but I am supportive of the administration's new policy to engage the North Koreans through dialogue and diplomacy," Mr. Richardson said in an interview with the New York Times.

Now if they just don't let Bill Richardson drive a car while in North Korea. You see...he has this troublesome habit of speeding....

Be sure to read my Profile of Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico, an accomplished diplomat and leader and passionate environmentalist with a colorful reputation for living large. Many believe he would be an ideal Democratic candidate in 2008, especially for the vice-presidency.
------------------------------
Technorati Profile