North Korea is considering returning to negotiations.

(Baonghean.vn) - Senior US nuclear expert Suzanne DiMaggio believes that North Korea's recent successful intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test has given the country confidence in its negotiating power, and Pyongyang is seriously considering returning to talks.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waves during a military parade in Pyongyang in April. Photo: AP

In an interview with the South China Morning Post (SCMP), DiMaggio stated that North Korea recognizes it must make some decisions in the near future and is studying its options.

She said, "To some extent, North Korea seems to understand that they will have to de-escalate tensions." She suggested that focusing on de-escalating tensions and preventing North Korea from using and proliferating its nuclear weapons would be more meaningful.

According to DiMaggio, the U.S. should seize the opportunity to implement a dual strategy of "maximum pressure and commitment" to holding talks with Pyongyang, while simultaneously opposing North Korea's actions through pressure measures such as sanctions.

She said, "The best bet would be to focus on preventing North Korea from further developing ICBM capabilities through an agreement that would end their nuclear and missile testing activities."

Ms. DiMaggio emphasized, "The United States will need to play a leading role in bringing all parties (including North Korea, Russia, China, South Korea, and Japan) onto the same path and pursuing a coordinated strategy."

According to Ms. DiMaggio, the North Korean leader views his country's nuclear program as the sole source of security for regime change. Pyongyang has concluded that the U.S. will not attack a country that possesses nuclear weapons. She stated: "North Korea has nuclear weapons and ICBM capabilities; they are in a stronger position to return to negotiations."

Lan Ha

(According to SCMP)