PSI의 의의와 우리의 대응

The Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) is understood neither as an organization nor as a treaty-type of legally binding commitments, but it can be regarded as activities against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), their delivery systems and related materials through cooperative and voluntary actions taken by like-minded countries. The PSI covers wide range of activities including information sharing, policy coordination, provision of physical assets, formation of relevant international norms and interdiction at sea, in the air, or on the land. Those activities are required to be consistent with national legal authorities and relevant international law and frameworks. Under the current international law, the PSI has limitation to justify its interdiction activities especially at high sea, but it has been gaining legal ground with over 80 officially participating countries and its international norm making efforts such as an amendment of the Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA) and the adopting of UNSCR 1540 in a short period of its operation since its inception in May 2003. The Republic of Korea shares the purpose and principles of the PSI to interdict illicit WMD-related trade. Some factors including implication on the inter-Korean relations put the formal participation on hold. Regardless of its membership, the Korean Government is actively contributing to international efforts for this purpose.