[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] North Korea issued a statement under the name of Foreign Minister Ri Son-gwon, once again rejecting the possibility of contact and dialogue with the United States.
In the statement on the 23rd, Foreign Minister Ri said, "We are not considering any meaningless contact or possibility with the United States that wastes precious time." He added, "Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes the clear statement issued by the Deputy Director of the Party Central Committee, which firmly rejects the premature evaluations, groundless speculations, and expectations of the United States."
Earlier, Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party, referred to reports that the United States regarded Chairman Kim Jong-un's remarks at the plenary meeting as an 'interesting signal' in her statement the previous day, saying, "There is a Korean proverb that says 'Interpretation is more important than the dream.' It seems the United States is interpreting it in a way that comforts itself." She sarcastically added, "Their misplaced expectations will only lead them to greater disappointment."
Despite Kim Yo-jong's statement, the United States indicated it remains open to diplomacy with North Korea. Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, said, "We will have to see if these (Kim Yo-jong's) remarks lead to more direct communication about potential future paths," and added, "Our policy toward North Korea aims at resolution, not hostility."
He also said, "We continue to hope that North Korea will respond positively to our outreach," and "We remain prepared to engage in principled negotiations with North Korea to address the challenges posed by its nuclear program."
Nevertheless, through Foreign Minister Ri's statement released just one day later, North Korea made it clear that it has no intention of dialogue with the United States.
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