The refusal by North Korea to verify the dismantling of its nuclear weapons programme is a serious setback, but is not fatal to the efforts to disarm Pyongyang of terrible weapons. The five nations which have negotiated seriously with Kim Jong-Il and his regime must now rethink their relations with North Korea.
The onus is on Pyongyang to realise that the steps they have taken are irrevocable. Under no circumstances can the North Koreans resume their nuclear and missile development. It may now be necessary for North Korea's multilateral partners to get a little tougher with Pyongyang.