"Let's Talk First" US Avoids Direct Answer to Question on 'Which Comes First, End-of-War Declaration or Denuclearization?'

Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, gave a relatively positive evaluation on the 24th of President Moon Jae-in's proposal for a declaration of the end of the war, stating that if the South is not hostile, they are even willing to discuss the restoration of relations.

In a statement released through the Korean Central News Agency on the same day, Deputy Director Kim said, "A declaration of the end of the war is not a bad idea," and evaluated it as "an interesting proposal and a good idea in the sense that it physically ends the long-standing unstable armistice situation on the Korean Peninsula and withdraws hostility toward the other party."

The photo shows President Moon Jae-in watching a performance by the North Korean Samjiyon Orchestra at the National Theater with Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the Party Central Committee, during her visit to South Korea in February 2018, while they are engaged in conversation. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. State Department, while stating it harbors no hostility toward North Korea and urging dialogue, avoided giving a direct response to the declaration of the end of the war proposed by President Moon Jae-in at the United Nations General Assembly.

On the 24th (local time), Ned Price, spokesperson for the State Department, responded to a question along the lines of, "It seems the U.S. does not agree with President Moon's view that the declaration of the end of the war could be the starting point for denuclearization. Do you believe denuclearization should come before the declaration of the end of the war?" by saying, "We continue to work toward achieving lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, and we believe that dialogue and diplomacy with North Korea are the best methods."

Spokesperson Price added, "We have no hostile intent toward North Korea and are prepared to meet with North Korea without preconditions," explaining, "We hope North Korea responds positively to this."

He also stated, "We will continue to pursue engagement with North Korea as part of a coordinated and pragmatic approach to achieve tangible progress in enhancing security not only for the United States but also for our regional allies, deployed forces, and partners."

Regarding the trilateral foreign ministers' meeting held in New York, Price said, "One of the main topics of the meeting was a joint approach toward North Korea, and to be effective, we must continue to cooperate closely with South Korea and Japan."

On inter-Korean relations, he said, "We continue to believe that dialogue and engagement between the South and the North are positive," adding, "We are continuing to work closely with South Korea on a broader agenda."