US-ROK Delegations Officialize 'CVID'... Ministry of Unification Says "Threat Removal More Important Than Concept Debate"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] The South Korea-U.S. policy consultation delegation visiting Washington stated that the Ministry of Unification emphasized "we should focus on eliminating threat factors rather than debating the concept" regarding the official adoption of the concept of "Complete, Verifiable, and Irreversible Denuclearization (CVID)."

A senior official from the Ministry of Unification told reporters on the 6th, in response to questions about CVID, "At this point, we need to look at the bigger picture," expressing this view.

Earlier, Park Jin, head of the South Korea-U.S. policy consultation delegation, announced that he had reached a consensus with Wendy Sherman, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, on realizing peace on the Korean Peninsula through CVID. Until now, the Moon administration had used the term "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" instead of CVID, a term that North Korea had shown resistance to.

The official said, "Complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and CVID are on the same line, and this is not a matter to revert to a conceptual debate over whether the phrase 'verifiable and irreversible' is included or not," adding, "we hope to focus on how to calm and change the crisis and threats, and how to eliminate threat factors."

Regarding discussions between the two sides about extended deterrence, which means the "nuclear umbrella," the official said, "There could be plans to operate a consultative body mainly composed of director-level officials," but emphasized, "What is more important than operating a consultative body is what the actual means of extended deterrence are."

In response to news that North Korea recently dismantled the South Korean facilities at the Kumgangsan Haegumgang Hotel, the official said, "Through the joint liaison office functions held by the Ministry of Unification, we requested confirmation on these matters and conveyed our position to North Korea during the process," but added that North Korea has not yet officially communicated its stance.

The official said, "Unlike the initial observation, the dismantling process has progressed to some extent," and added, "Once a certain stage is reached, we are considering coordinating again with Hyundai and expressing our position."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding the two statements issued by Kim Yo-jong, Vice Director of the North Korean Workers' Party, on the 3rd and 5th, the official said, "The statement on the 5th was somewhat more softened and refined in expression," but expressed concern that "both statements mentioned nuclear issues, which must not be overlooked."

The official said, "Although conditions were attached, the fact that they said they would inevitably have to carry out their mission with nuclear combat forces if a certain situation arises is a real threat," adding, "Therefore, the process leading to the next government is truly important."

Regarding North Korea's moratorium (on nuclear tests and ICBM launches), the official said, "We are very wary and concerned about the possibility of additional ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) launches, and although the possibility may be somewhat lower, the possibility of resuming nuclear tests," adding, "This is a situation that could actually occur, and we need to prepare and respond accordingly."

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