INTER-KOREA TALKS TAKE PLACE

PENCE: U.S., SOUTH UNITED AS

Washington, Feb. 11: The US and South Korea stand united against North Korea’s nuclear programme, even as the two Koreas hold talks in conjunction with the Winter Olympics, US Vice-President Mike Pence has said.

Analysts say the North’s Olympic diplomatic drive seeks to loosen international sanctions against it and undermine the alliance between Seoul and Washington.

Pence, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force Two after attending the opening ceremony of the Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, said that he and President Moon Jae-in “continue to stand strong” and coordinate efforts against the North.

“There is no daylight between the US, the Republic of Korea and Japan on the need to continue to isolate North Korea economically and diplomatically until they abandon their nuclear and ballistic missile program,” Pence said