The Guardian: North Korea willing to start direct talks with US, says South Korea
Announcement comes as controversial North Korean general mobbed on visit to Winter Olympics.
North Korea is willing to start direct talks with the US, with the move coming as a high-level delegation from Pyongyang, headed by a controversial general, arrived for the Winter Olympics closing ceremony.
Pyongyang also said the relationship between the two Koreas and US-North Korean ties should advance in tandem, according to South Korea’s presidential Blue House. The announcement on Sunday comes after president Moon Jae-in met the head of the North Korean delegation, Kim Yong-chol, vice-chairman of the ruling Workers’ party’s central committee.
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WNU Editor: The South Koreans are saying that the North wants to enter into talks, but the North Koreans are saying something else .... N. Korea slams latest US sanctions as 'act of war' (AFP). What's my take. The South Korean administration of Moon Jae-in has been pushing for these talks since his election win last year .... but this approach runs counter to the U.S. and Japanese policy of forcing the North Koreans to make the initial concession that they will disband their nuclear and missile programs before these talks can even begin. The fact that the North Koreans have publicly stated that they will not even put this on the table .... makes IMHO any talks pointless. So why the push from the South Koreans. I think it is because South Korean President Moon Jae-in believes that the process of just having these talks will be more than enough to provide the necessary momentum that will lead to discussions on North Korea's nuclear arsenal. I personally think this approach is a mistake. The North Korean government is a Stalinist structured regime, and its leadership has never wavered from their primary goal of unifying the peninsula under their rule .... and by force if necessary. I have always had the position that it is only when this commitment to regime change is renounced by the North Koreans via through a peace treaty to end the war (both countries are still at a state of war).... even before talks can begin on their nuclear arsenal .... that I can see such talks bearing fruit. But to have these talks now .... it will fracture the current policy of isolating North Korea. and it will give the excuse to the Chinese and the Russians that they should alleviate the timeline for implementing sanctions on the North Koreans as agreed to at the UN a few months ago.
More News On South Korean Reports That North Korea Is Willing To Enter Into Talks With The U.S.
North Korea says open to talks with United States: South Korea's presidential office -- Reuters
North Korea willing to hold talks with US, says South Korea -- BBC
North Korean envoy, in South, opens door to US talks -- AP
Political end to Olympics: NKorea offers talks with US -- AP
Chief N. Korean delegate says N. Korea willing to hold talks with U.S. -- Yonhap
North Korea open to talks with United States, South Korea says -- ABC News Online
North Korea condemns sanctions, but seen open to talks with U.S. -- Reuters
North Korean Envoy Says Country Is Willing to Open Talks With the U.S. -- Time
North Korea slams US for sanctions & ‘clouds of war’ but says it is open for talks -- RT
North Korea willing to hold talks with US, ex-spy chief says -- FOX News
