Ministry of Unification: "For North Korea to Move Toward a Peaceful Future, Dialogue Is the Only Answer"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Regarding North Korea's indication on the 19th through a Politburo meeting that it is considering lifting the 'moratorium' on intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and nuclear tests, our government urged North Korea to return to dialogue on the 20th, stating, "Only dialogue and diplomacy are the answers to move toward a future of peace."

An official from the Ministry of Unification said to reporters on the same day, "We are closely and attentively monitoring the recent series of North Korean developments with a sense of tension."

The official added, "While carefully preparing for the possibility of further deterioration, we intend to closely consult with related countries on measures to stably manage the situation on the Korean Peninsula," and emphasized, "To avoid returning to past situations where tensions on the Korean Peninsula escalated and inter-Korean relations worsened, only dialogue and diplomacy can lead us toward a future of peace."

North Korea declared a moratorium on nuclear facilities, ICBM launches, and nuclear tests at the Workers' Party plenary meeting in April 2018. However, at the Politburo meeting held the day before, it suggested lifting the moratorium by reviewing 'a full reconsideration of confidence-building measures and the resumption of suspended activities.'

The government stated regarding whether North Korea will actually take actions such as ICBM launches or nuclear tests, "We will not speculate on North Korea's intentions or next steps," and added, "We are monitoring the current situation with tension and preparing for all possibilities."

This meeting was the first Politburo meeting held this year, convened 50 days after the previous fifth meeting last year. According to the government, based on reports, a total of 38 Politburo meetings have been held since Kim Jong-un assumed power as General Secretary up to this date.

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