North Korea claims its efforts sparked meeting

NORTH Korea’s recent moves to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula are evidence of its confidence and national strength, not a sign of weakness, according to its state-run media.

The North’s defence of its diplomatic approach to Seoul and Washington is surprising because its media have yet to report virtually any of the activity.

Only US and South Korean officials have said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to meet US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in by May.

The commentary by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said the country’s “proactive measure and peace-loving proposal” had caused a “dramatic atmosphere for reconciliation” to be “created in relations between the North and the South of Korea and there has been a sign of change also in the DPRK-US relations”.

DPRK is short for the North’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The commentary offered no other details, saying only the North has started a “dialogue peace offensive” but it criticised officials and experts in the US and Japan, along with conservatives in South Korea, for suggesting Pyongyang has been pushed into a corner by toughening sanctions.

“The great change in the North-south relations is not an accidental one but a noble fruition made thanks to the DPRK’S proactive measure, warm compatriotism and will for defending peace,” the commentary said. “Such an event as today could be possible as the DPRK’S dignity has remarkably risen and it has strong might.”

Mr Moon said yesterday the North Korean nuclear crisis must be resolved completely through the two upcoming summits.