North Korea remains willing to talk to the US at any time.
(Baonghean.vn) - North Korea affirmed that US President Donald Trump's decision to cancel next month's summit with leader Kim Jong-un goes against the international community's expectations for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
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| North Korea is still willing to meet the US after Mr. Trump sent a letter canceling the summit. Photo: CNN |
In comments carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on May 25, Kim Kye Gwan, a senior official at the North Korean Foreign Ministry, said Pyongyang was still willing to meet with the US.
“We reiterate to the US that we are willing to sit down face to face at any time and in any way,” said Kim Kye Gwan, who has years of negotiations with his US counterparts.
“I would like to conclude that President Trump's statement on the North Korea-US summit is a decision that does not conform to the wishes of those who hope for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula as well as in the world,” the person added.
Earlier, on May 24, the US President canceled the summit in a letter to Mr. Kim Jong-un, citing recent hostile comments from senior North Korean officials and concerns about Pyongyang's willingness to give up nuclear weapons. Trump affirmed that it was "inappropriate" to hold this summit, although he still left open the possibility that the two sides could meet.
“If and when Kim Jong-un chooses to engage in constructive action and dialogue, I look forward to it,” Mr. Trump said at the White House after sending the letter.
Trump called off the talks just hours after North Korea used explosives to shut down its Punggye-ri nuclear test site in the North. International reporters were present to witness multiple explosions that are believed to have destroyed three of the four tunnels at the site.
In comments published on KCNA on May 25, North Korean Foreign Ministry official Kim Kye Gwan asserted that the “unacceptable” statement on relations between the two countries showed the urgency of holding a summit.
“Our president said that if he meets President Trump, he can make a good start and make every effort to prepare for it,” Kim Kye Gwan said. The diplomat added that the US administration’s “unilateral cancellation” of the summit has forced Pyongyang to “rethink” its recent efforts and affirm that “the path we have chosen is the right one.”
“Our goal and determination to do everything for the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and mankind remain unchanged, and we are willing to give time and opportunities to the US side, always with a big and open mind,” Kim Kye Gwan said.
