Country's suspension of nuclear, missile tests gives best idea yet of what Kim intends to bring with him in summits with Moon and Trump
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea announced that it will suspend nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches ahead of its summits with Seoul and Washington, but stopped short of suggesting it has any intention of giving up its hard-won nuclear arsenal. The announcement, which sets the table for further negotiations when the summits begin, was made by leader Kim Jong Un at a meeting of the North Korean ruling party’s Central Committee on Friday. It was reported by the North’s state-run media early Saturday.
Kim justified the suspension to his party by saying the situation around North Korea has been rapidly changing « in favor of the Korean revolution » since he announced last year that his country had completed its nuclear forces. He said North Korea has reached the level where it no longer needs underground testing or test-launching of ICBMs, and added that it would close its nuclear testing facility at Punggye-ri, which was already believed to have been rendered unusable due to tunnel collapses after the North’s test of its most powerful bomb to date last year.
The announcement is Kim’s opening gambit to set the tone for summit talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, set for next Friday, and President Trump, expected in late May or early June.
Mr. Trump, who is at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, was quick to describe the development as « progress. » He almost immediately responded with a tweet, saying, « This is very good news for North Korea and the World. » He added that he’s looking forward to his summit with Kim.
South Korea’s presidential office also welcomed North Korea’s announcement as « meaningful progress » toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Presidential official Yoon Young-chan said in a statement that the North’s decision brightens the prospects for successful talks between Seoul, Pyongyang and Washington.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offered a more guarded reaction.
« What is crucial here… is how this development is going to lead to the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of nuclear arms, weapons of mass destruction and missiles, » he said. « And I will keep a close eye on that. »
China, North Korea’s main ally, welcomed Pyongyang’s decision. The official Xinhua News Agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang as saying Beijing wishes for North Korea to continue to achieve results in the development of its economy and improving the living standards of its people. He said China will support North Korea through dialogue and consultations with « relevant parties » to resolve their concerns and improve relations.
