Biden US Administration Sticks to 'North Korea Sanctions' and Maintains 'Unconditional Dialogue'

[Asia Economy Reporter Inho Yoo] The Biden administration in the United States is maintaining its stance that while it keeps the possibility of dialogue with North Korea open, it must continue sanctions against the country.

The U.S. State Department pointed out that criticism of sanctions on North Korea is a 'diversion tactic' aimed at covering up North Korea's wrongdoings.

A spokesperson from the State Department stated, "Some in the international community are blaming sanctions for North Korea's humanitarian situation," adding, "(This) is merely a diversion tactic to distract from North Korea's malicious actions and responsibility toward its suffering people," according to a recent report by Voice of America (VOA).

The spokesperson emphasized, "We are striving to act in ways that do not harm the North Korean people," and "We support international efforts for critical humanitarian aid and hope North Korea will accept it."

This statement was made in response to claims by China, Russia, and some North Korea aid organizations that sanctions have caused North Korea's food and health crises. It reaffirmed the existing position that sanctions do not hinder humanitarian aid to the North Korean people.

However, regarding the reactivation of the Yongbyon plutonium reactor facility, the U.S. stressed close consultation with the South Korean government while upholding the principle of unconditional dialogue.

Recently, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said in a press briefing about North Korea's nuclear program and U.S. contacts, "We are keeping the door open and have clearly reached out to North Korea through our channels," adding, "We are willing to meet anytime, anywhere, without preconditions."

The White House's stance appears to take into account the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report suggesting that North Korea has restarted the reactor at its Yongbyon nuclear facility since early last month to produce nuclear material.

Regarding the IAEA report on the 30th of last month, Psaki said, "The report emphasizes the need for dialogue and diplomacy to achieve complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," and "We continue to pursue talks with North Korea to address these reported activities and all denuclearization-related issues."

U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy Sung Kim, in this context, met with Noh Kyu-duk, South Korea's Chief Negotiator for Peace on the Korean Peninsula, in Washington D.C. on the 30th, and told reporters, "We exchanged various ideas and plans, including perspectives on the situation on the ground and possibilities for humanitarian aid," adding, "We hope to receive a response from North Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.