N. Korea, U.S. clash on sanctions at ARF
- 6 years ago
There was speculation that the annual ASEAN Regional Forum, the only multilateral forum that North Korea participates in, could help boost discussions between Pyongyang and Washington on denuclearization.
But at the forum, the two showed a sharp contrast in their views on sanctions.
Oh Jung-hee tells us more.
Expectations were high at the ASEAN Regional Forum. With the foreign ministers of South Korea, North Korea, the U.S. and China all present -- it was hoped the forum could provide momentum in the struggling North Korea-U.S. denuclearization talks.
But the annual regional forum ended with no foreign ministerial meetings at all between the two Koreas,... nor between North Korea and the U.S.
The tug-of-war continued between Pyongyang and Washington... with clashing views on sanctions.
Making his statement at the forum, North Korean foreign minister Ri Yong-ho stressed that... Pyongyang has already taken some 'goodwill' steps -- halting nuclear and missile tests and dismantling its main nuclear test site.
Pointing out that Washington is not responding to such actions and is still holding onto sanctions,... he said... both sides will have to work things out simultaneously.
Meanwhile, speaking to the reporters separately, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasized the need to strictly enforce all sanctions against North Korea,... mentioning recent reports about illegal ship-to-ship petroleum transfers.
Over the weekend, the U.S. also slapped new sanctions on North Korean and Russian entities,... saying sanctions will remain in place until North Korea's final denuclearization.
Reports have been pouring out from Pyongyang for several days in a row -- all urging Washington to take actions in return for the North's efforts, namely, lifting sanctions.
Pyongyang's state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun claimed on Monday... that the UN resolutions should have disappeared already as Pyongyang has taken some practical steps.
Saying that the most important thing now is to build confidence with one another, it urged the U.S. to abandon sanctions and pressure.
While Washington is firm in keeping its economic pressure on Pyongyang, especially with its joint military drills suspended,... how North Korea and the U.S. find a middle ground remains to be seen.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.
But at the forum, the two showed a sharp contrast in their views on sanctions.
Oh Jung-hee tells us more.
Expectations were high at the ASEAN Regional Forum. With the foreign ministers of South Korea, North Korea, the U.S. and China all present -- it was hoped the forum could provide momentum in the struggling North Korea-U.S. denuclearization talks.
But the annual regional forum ended with no foreign ministerial meetings at all between the two Koreas,... nor between North Korea and the U.S.
The tug-of-war continued between Pyongyang and Washington... with clashing views on sanctions.
Making his statement at the forum, North Korean foreign minister Ri Yong-ho stressed that... Pyongyang has already taken some 'goodwill' steps -- halting nuclear and missile tests and dismantling its main nuclear test site.
Pointing out that Washington is not responding to such actions and is still holding onto sanctions,... he said... both sides will have to work things out simultaneously.
Meanwhile, speaking to the reporters separately, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasized the need to strictly enforce all sanctions against North Korea,... mentioning recent reports about illegal ship-to-ship petroleum transfers.
Over the weekend, the U.S. also slapped new sanctions on North Korean and Russian entities,... saying sanctions will remain in place until North Korea's final denuclearization.
Reports have been pouring out from Pyongyang for several days in a row -- all urging Washington to take actions in return for the North's efforts, namely, lifting sanctions.
Pyongyang's state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun claimed on Monday... that the UN resolutions should have disappeared already as Pyongyang has taken some practical steps.
Saying that the most important thing now is to build confidence with one another, it urged the U.S. to abandon sanctions and pressure.
While Washington is firm in keeping its economic pressure on Pyongyang, especially with its joint military drills suspended,... how North Korea and the U.S. find a middle ground remains to be seen.
Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News.