US Department of Defense: "Discussion on Korean War Armistice Declaration Is Open... Goal Is Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" (Update)

"Committed to Diplomacy and Dialogue with the North"
Level of Reaffirming Existing North Korea Policy Framework

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The U.S. Department of Defense has publicly stated that discussions on a Korean War end-of-war declaration remain open and that it is committed to diplomacy and dialogue with North Korea for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. This is interpreted as a reiteration of the fundamental stance expressed by U.S. President Joe Biden in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly the previous day, where he announced the start of "serious diplomacy" with North Korea for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

On the 22nd (local time), John Kirby, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Defense, was asked during a press briefing about the position on the Korean War end-of-war declaration proposed by President Moon Jae-in in his UN General Assembly speech the day before. He said, "The United States continues to strive to achieve lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and diplomacy with North Korea," adding, "We continue to seek engagement with North Korea to resolve various issues and are open to discussions on the possibility of an end-of-war declaration."

He continued, "Our goal has always been the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," emphasizing, "We are open to discussions on an end-of-war declaration, but we are also committed to diplomacy and dialogue with North Korea to achieve denuclearization." He also mentioned, "We understand that this is a complex issue, and we are dedicated to supporting the role of our diplomats in conducting such conversations."

This is interpreted as a statement reaffirming the fundamental position on North Korea diplomacy policy expressed by President Biden at the UN General Assembly the previous day. Earlier, during his first UN General Assembly speech since taking office at the UN headquarters in New York, President Biden stated, "We will pursue serious and sustained diplomacy for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," and also said, "We are seeking concrete progress toward feasible plans along with substantive commitments that can enhance stability on the Korean Peninsula and improve the quality of life for the North Korean people."

However, there was no mention of specific North Korea diplomacy policy measures or the recent launches of cruise missiles and short-range ballistic missiles by North Korea. Voice of America (VOA) reported that "President Biden's remarks on North Korea policy reaffirm the Biden administration's approach to pursue a practical and well-coordinated policy toward North Korea."