North Korea says its quest for nuclear weapons is “complete” and it “no longer needs” to test its weapons capability, a significant development ahead of diplomatic engagement with both South Korea and the United States.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said Saturday that “under the proven condition of complete nuclear weapons, we no longer need any nuclear tests, mid-range and intercontinental ballistic rocket tests, and that the nuclear test site in northern area has also completed its mission,” as quoted by the state-run KCNA news agency.
The announcement appears to signify a remarkable change in policy for Kim, following a relentless pursuit of nuclear and ballistic weapons as a means to ensure his regime’s survival.
It comes just one week before a meeting between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and before a planned historic encounter between Kim and US President Donald Trump — and just weeks after the North Korean leader met Chinese President Xi Jinping on his first official trip outside his country.The US and South Korea welcomed the news, which they said was a sign of progress and a promising start to upcoming talks.”North Korea has agreed to suspend all Nuclear Tests and close up a major test site,” Trump tweeted. “This is very good news for North Korea and the World – big progress! Look forward to our Summit.”
The declaration comes as North Korea continues to make concessions ahead of the talks. Last month Kim told a South Korean delegation that he “understood” the need for joint US-South Korean military drills. Earlier this week he dropped his requirement that US troops leave the Korean peninsula as a precondition for denuclearization.’New chapter’ for North KoreaA North Korea source said that Kim has finally decided to open up a new chapter for his nation. Kim has committed himself to the path of denuclearization and will now focus solely on economic growth and improving the national economy, the source said.The North Korean leader has realized the best path forward is to normalize relations with other countries, the source added. He is finally being recognized by the international community, and this is a historic, timely opportunity, the source said.Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cautiously welcomed the development. “The only thing that is important is whether or not it will lead to the completely verified and irreversible abolition of nuclear and missiles,” he told reporters. “We would like to keep a close eye on it.”However, analysts stressed caution over Kim’s words, noting that Pyongyang was likely to be seeking something in return.”The announcement is significant, but you know, whether North Korea is truly serious remains to be seen,” said Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA North Korea analyst.”They might be looking for freeze-for-freeze deals. They are looking for sanctions relief. So what are we going to give for this freezing of tests?”
It comes just one week before a meeting between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and before a planned historic encounter between Kim and US President Donald Trump — and just weeks after the North Korean leader met Chinese President Xi Jinping on his first official trip outside his country.The US and South Korea welcomed the news, which they said was a sign of progress and a promising start to upcoming talks.”North Korea has agreed to suspend all Nuclear Tests and close up a major test site,” Trump tweeted. “This is very good news for North Korea and the World – big progress! Look forward to our Summit.”
The declaration comes as North Korea continues to make concessions ahead of the talks. Last month Kim told a South Korean delegation that he “understood” the need for joint US-South Korean military drills. Earlier this week he dropped his requirement that US troops leave the Korean peninsula as a precondition for denuclearization.’New chapter’ for North KoreaA North Korea source said that Kim has finally decided to open up a new chapter for his nation. Kim has committed himself to the path of denuclearization and will now focus solely on economic growth and improving the national economy, the source said.The North Korean leader has realized the best path forward is to normalize relations with other countries, the source added. He is finally being recognized by the international community, and this is a historic, timely opportunity, the source said.Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe cautiously welcomed the development. “The only thing that is important is whether or not it will lead to the completely verified and irreversible abolition of nuclear and missiles,” he told reporters. “We would like to keep a close eye on it.”However, analysts stressed caution over Kim’s words, noting that Pyongyang was likely to be seeking something in return.”The announcement is significant, but you know, whether North Korea is truly serious remains to be seen,” said Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA North Korea analyst.”They might be looking for freeze-for-freeze deals. They are looking for sanctions relief. So what are we going to give for this freezing of tests?”
