Pyongyang tones down propaganda
Relations thaw after delegation visits South
SEOUL: North Korea’s leader said he wants to boost the “warm climate of reconciliation and dialogue” with South Korea after his high-level delegation returned from a visit to the South, as his foes reiterated the need to keep up maximum pressure and sanctions.
Kim Jong-un gave instructions for measures aimed at more inter-Korean engagement after his younger sister Kim Yo-jong led a three-day visit to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, North Korea’s state media reported yesterday.
The United States has appeared to endorse deeper post-Olympics engagement that could lead to talks between Pyongyang and Washington. US officials have also said international sanctions should be ramped up to push North Korea to give up its nuclear programme.
That sentiment was repeated by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe yesterday, who said South Korean President Moon Jae-in had agreed it was necessary to keep up maximum pressure on North Korea.
Last year, North Korea conducted dozens of missile launches and its sixth and largest nuclear test in defiance of UN resolutions as it pursues its goal of developing a nuclear-armed missile capable of reaching the United States.
That sentiment was repeated by Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe yesterday, who said South Korean President Moon Jae-in had agreed it was necessary to keep up maximum pressure on North Korea.
Last year, North Korea conducted dozens of missile launches and its sixth and largest nuclear test in defiance of UN resolutions as it pursues its goal of developing a nuclear-armed missile capable of reaching the United States.
“I still hear it, but it is much less than before,” said the official who is stationed on the southern side of the border and spoke on condition of anonymity.
Mr Moon, who was offered a meeting with Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang via his sister, has been pushing for a diplomatic solution to the standoff over North Korea’s nuclear and missile programmes.
Seoul is planning to push ahead with its plans for reunions of family members separated by the 1950-53 Korean War in order to sustain the dialogue prompted by the North Korean delegation’s visit.
Meanwhile, Mr Trump urged Russia to do more in urging North Korea to scrap its nuclear programme, the White House said on Monday.
Talk of an inter-Korean summit come after months of tension between Pyongyang, Seoul and Washington. An exchange of fiery words between Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump also ratcheted up unease on the Korean Peninsula.