N. Korea to suspend nuclear missile testing

Kim says test site ‘has completed its mission’

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced he will suspend nuclear and long-range missile tests and plans to close a nuclear test site.

The Korean Central News Agency, which is North Korea’s state media agency, made the announcement as the nation’s leader is in ongoing peace talks with South Korean President Moon Jaein. Kim is also in negotiations to meet with President Donald Trump.

“As the weaponization of nuclear weapons has been verified, it is not nec- essary for us to conduct any more nuclear tests,” Kim said at a meeting of the Worker’s Party of Korea, adding “the northern nuclear test site has completed its mission.”

The Korean Central News Agency said the country would freeze its nuclear tests and long-range missiles, specifically intercontinental ballistic missiles, on Saturday.

After the announcement, Trump posted on Twitter that the move was “very good news.”

“North Korea has agreed to suspend all Nuclear Tests and close up a major test site,” he tweeted. “This is very good news for North Korea and the World big progress! Look forward to our Summit.”

Just days earlier, Trump expressed a about the planned meeting with Kim, explaining he would “leave the meeting” if it’s not “fruitful.”

While exuding confidence about North Korea on Wednesday, Trump also raised the possibility that the yet-to-be scheduled summit might be called off for lack of agreement over an agenda — or that it might not be successful.

For months, North Korea’s missile tests have raised concerns around the world and helped escalate insults between Kim and Trump.

Friday’s announcement of a freeze on tests and the shutdown of a facility is sure to be a step in the right direction but Trump has said he will seek an agreement in which North Korea gives up its nuclear weapons, a goal many analysts believe will be challenging.