Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se met with local and foreign reporters earlier
this Monday afternoon.
The focus of attention was Seoul's policies on North Korea.
Our foreign affairs ministry correspondent Hwang Sung-hee has the details. While North
Korea has reportedly expressed a willingness to re-engage in dialogue with regional powers,
South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se says words are no longer enough.
Speaking to reporters for the first time since taking office, Minister Yun placed a condition
on any talks with North Korea, saying there will only be talks if the North shows that
it is sincere about denuclearization.
"We don't want dialogue for the sake of dialogue. North Korea must show that it is sincere about
denuclearization. by abiding by its international obligations and promises."
Minister Yun said that all members of six-party denuclearization talks -- including China
-- agree that the biggest pre-condition for the resumption of talks is Pyongyang's commitment
to denuclearization.
He said that is exactly what China told the North during North Korean envoy Choe Ryong-hae's
recent trip to Beijing,. where Choe reportedly revealed Pyongyang's willingness to engage
in dialogue.
The minister said the six-party members and the international community are working closely
together on North Korea issues and added that South Korea's new nuclear envoy Cho Tae-yong
will visit the related countries next month for discussions on the matter.
Minister Yun said North Korea's threats will top the agenda for President Park Geun-hye's
upcoming summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in June. and he said the two will hold in-depth
discussions on President Park's so-called trust-building policy.
The minister hinted at plans for trilateral talks between South Korea, the U.S. and China
at the end of next month,. although these will likely be informal talks conducted with
experts and government officials.
Hwang Sung-hee, Arirang News.