U.S. says open to North Korea talks without preconditions
A State Department spokesperson said the United States remains willing to hold talks with North Korea without preconditions and is committed to the country's complete denuclearization. The remarks followed a North Korean state media report that leader Kim Jong-un visited a nuclear material production facility this week.
YonhapA State Department spokesperson said Thursday the United States remains open to dialogue with North Korea without preconditions and committed to the complete denuclearization of the country. The comments came after North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong-un visited a newly launched nuclear material production facility earlier this week and vowed to strengthen the country's nuclear arsenal.
Background The spokesperson's statement reaffirmed the current U.S. administration's interest in reengaging with North Korea. Concerns have grown that North Korea has expanded its nuclear and ballistic missile programs without recent diplomacy involving Washington and Seoul.
North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency reported Kim's visit to the facility on Wednesday but gave no further details. At a party congress in February, North Korea described itself as an irreversible nuclear-armed state and outlined a five-year military modernization plan.
Seoul, Washington and Tokyo have continued to state their commitment to North Korea's denuclearization.
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