North Korea launches missile amid US push to resume talks

Sung Kim, US Special Representative for North Korea: “Special representative Noh (Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Noh Kyu-duk) and I had an excellent meeting this afternoon in advance of tomorrow’s trilateral meeting with Japanese director general for that question. I reaffirmed to Special Representative Noh Washington’s strong commitment to working closely with our allies and partners, especially the Republic of Korea and Japan, to achieve complete denuclearization and a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula. To reach this objective, we will seek diplomacy with the DPRK to make tangible progress that increases the security of the United States and our allies. This includes considering potential engagement with the DPRK to reduce tensions. The US continues to reach out to Pyongyang to restart dialog. Our intent remains the same. We harbor no hostile intent towards the DPRK, and we are open to meeting with them without preconditions. Even as we remain open to dialog, we also have a responsibility to implement the UN Security Council resolutions addressing the DPRK. Furthermore, consistent with the Biden-Harris administration’s focus on human rights, we will continue to advocate for the human rights of the North Korean people and call for an immediate resolution of the abductions issue. They are prepared to work cooperatively with the DPRK to address areas of humanitarian concern. The U.S. supports the provisional aid consistent with international standards for access and monitoring the most vulnerable North Koreans. Special Representative Noh and I also discussed the end of war proposal, and I look forward to continuing those discussions and other issues of mutual concern when I’m in Seoul later this week. U.S. ROK Japan trilateral cooperation remains absolutely key to our approach towards the DPRK. I look forward to engaging further on these issues tomorrow during the trilateral meeting with director general Funakoshi (Takehiro Funakoshi, Japanese Director-General for Asian and Oceanian Affairs) and special representative Noh. Thank you.”