North Korea warns of ‘undesired consequences’ if US doesn’t meet its nuclear demands in latest war of words
NORTH Korea last night warned the US it faces “undesired consequences” if it doesn’t meet its demands in nuclear talks by the end of the year.
Kim Jong-un’s regime is demanding the Trump administration show more flexibility – or else it will go back on its promise to scrap its deadly nuclear arsenal.
It comes after two rounds of talks between the two powers – the most recent being in Vietnam in February – failed to reach a deal.
Pyongyang says it will only ditch its weapons programme if the US agrees to scrap crippling economic sanctions on the country.
And in another stinging personal attack on American officials, the North fired back at US Secretary of State for what it called his “‘foolish and dangerous” remarks on foreign policy.
Pompeo had warned the US could “change paths” if Kim Jong-un refused to cooperate.
CHILLING THREAT
But North Korea has angrily insisted that it could do the same – suggesting a return to provocative missile tests.
In a chilling threat, North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui said: “Changing paths is not a privilege that only the United States has – but it could be our own choice if we make up our mind.”
She added: “If the United States fails to reestablish its position within the timeline we gave, it will see truly undesired consequences.”
The comments mark the latest in a series of angry exchanges since the failed talks in Saigon.
SANCTIONS RELIEF
North Korea had been seeking a deal to ease sanctions in exchange for dismantling some of its nuclear facilities.
But Trump called for a “big deal” in which sanctions would be lifted if Pyongyang handed over all its nuclear weapons to the United States.
Pompeo brushed aside the latest criticism of him from his North Korean counterparts.
He told Fox News he remained “hopeful” about prospects for advancing efforts to scrap the North’s nukes.
But he added pointedly that it was Pyongyang’s move.
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Mr Pompeo said: “There’s only one real approach to denuclearization. That’s to denuclearize, right? To begin to take down the threat.
“We’re prepared to engage in conversations to arrive at a process by which the North Koreans can see their way clear to fulfilling the commitment that Chairman Kim made back in Singapore in June of last year.”
Trump has said he is open to a third summit with Kim – but has stressed that sanctions will remain in place.
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