Sherman: "Direct Contact with North Korea... No Preconditions for Dialogue"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] Wendy Sherman, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, said on the 19th (local time) that "the United States does not harbor hostile intentions toward North Korea." Deputy Secretary Sherman expressed concern over North Korea's recent ballistic missile launches but also proposed unconditional negotiations.

According to Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP), Deputy Secretary Sherman delivered the keynote speech at the 2021 annual dinner of the Korea Society, a U.S.-Korea friendship nonprofit organization, stating, "We have contacted North Korea directly and are ready to meet without preconditions," adding, "As we have publicly stated several times, the United States does not harbor hostile intentions toward North Korea."

He began by saying, "I want to say a few words about North Korea, an issue on everyone's mind," and continued, "We often say that the U.S. is still committed to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, but we know this is not easy."

Deputy Secretary Sherman first emphasized, "The United States fully condemns North Korea's recent ballistic missile launches, which violate UN Security Council resolutions and pose a security threat to neighboring countries and the international community."

He added, "We are monitoring North Korea's situation for our allies, especially South Korea and Japan, and are working closely to pave the way for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

He stressed that "we are taking a finely tuned, pragmatic approach toward North Korea," prioritizing diplomatic efforts.

He further stated, "We are stronger when we stand shoulder to shoulder with allies who share our values and vision for a free, peaceful, and secure world," praising, "South Korea is such an ally and a true friend of the United States."

Sherman's remarks came just one day after North Korea conducted a test launch of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), raising concerns in the international community.

On the same day, the White House and the State Department condemned North Korea's SLBM launch as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and a regional security threat, while also calling for resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

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