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North Korea

Rodong Sinmun

January 17, 2018¹

South Korean President Moon Jae-in on January 10, 2018 expressed thanks to U.S. President Donald Trump, saying that the inter-Korean talks that opened the previous day might have been an effect of U.S.-led international sanctions and pressure on the North for its nuclear development. In response North Korea said,

“We can never pass over the South Korean leader's remarks that offended us and openly laid his vicious mind bare at a time when the two Koreas just took their first step to improve their relations.”

"Each word, uttered by Moon, well shows his pathetic mind trying to curry favor with the U.S.”

"The South Korean authorities should not make a misjudgment. We'll make efforts to better inter-Korean ties, but never overlook undiscerning acts against them."

Rodong Sinmun

January 15, 2018²

"The U.S. is repeating its pledge not to ease maximum sanctions and pressure until the North abandons nuclear and ballistic missile programs. It is throwing cold water on an atmosphere of reconciliation.”

KCNA

January 15, 2018³

“The proposal on easing the acute military tension between the north and the south and creating a peaceful environment on the Korean Peninsula reflects the DPRK's firm will to prevent a war on the Peninsula and defend peace by the concerted efforts of the north and the south under the condition that a powerful war deterrent has been provided to frustrate and contain any nuclear threat from the U.S.”

“The north and the south should desist from doing anything that might aggravate the situation, and promote dialogue and negotiations at different levels and in various sectors with the aim of removing mutual misunderstanding and distrust and make joint efforts to open the way to national reunification and common prosperity.”

KCNA

January 14, 2018⁴

"At this time, ill-boding remarks chilling the atmosphere for reconciliation are heard from South Korea, upsetting the people.”

"He even made such rubbish that the North was led to dialogue to open up the chapter for 'the North's denuclearization,' not for the improvement of the South-North relations."

"The present South Korean chief executive's attitude casts doubt as to his intent to improve the North-South ties and build confidence."
"We will as ever strive to improve the North-South ties but will never remain an onlooker to sordid acts of chilling the efforts.”

"Only when talks are held, can there be joint statement and joint press release and can there be an agreement both sides share. This is a common sense."

"But the South Korean chief executive said that talks can be held only when results are expected."

"They should know that train and bus carrying our delegation to the Olympics are still in Pyongyang."

"The South Korean authorities had better ponder over what unfavorable results may be entailed by their impolite behavior."

Rodong Sinmun

January 14, 2018⁵

“It is important to realize reconciliation and unity between peoples in order to improve North-South relations and create an atmosphere conducive to reunification.”

"The door will remain open for dialogue and contact to anybody from the South, including people from its ruling, opposition parties and those from diverse groups and individuals.”

Uriminzokkiri

January 12, 2018⁶

"They should totally stop the military drills, not just delay them."

Rodong Sinmun

January 11, 2018⁷

"If the South Korean authorities really want detente and peace, they should first stop all the military acts they have waged with (the U.S) against their (northern) brethren.”

"The two Koreas cannot remove mutual distrust and confrontation, and move toward unification, under persistent military tensions.”

Joint Press Release of Inter-Korean High-level Talks - KCNA

January 9, 2018⁸

“The north and the south agreed to proactively cooperate in ensuring that the 23rd Winter Olympics and Paralympics in the south side area would be successfully held, providing an occasion for enhancing the prestige of the nation.”

“In this regard the north side agreed to send a delegation of the National Olympic Committee, sports team, a cheer group, an art troupe, a Taekwon-do demonstration group and a press corps along with a high-level delegation to the Olympics, and the south side agreed to provide conveniences needed for them.”

“The north and the south agreed to make concerted efforts to ease the military tension, create a peaceful environment in the Korean peninsula and promote national reconciliation and unity.”

“They shared the viewpoint that the present military tension should be ironed out and agreed to have talks between the military authorities to this end.”

“They agreed to promote national reconciliation and unity by invigorating contacts and travels, and exchange and cooperation in various fields.”

Rodong Sinmun

January 8, 2018⁹

"The imperialist forces, led by the United States, are violently infringing upon other countries' sovereignty and slaughtering peaceful residents.”
"Today's international situation is calling for the fundamental overturn of an unequal world, in which plots to interfere in domestic affairs of other sovereign states are brazenly enforced by imperialist reactionary forces headed by the U.S., and basic principles in international relations are overtly ignored.”

"The U.S.-led unequal international order is now shaken by the roots by our Republic (the North) which has emerged as a new strategic state capable of posing an actual nuclear threat to the U.S. mainland.”

KCNA

January 7, 2018¹⁰

"The entire process of past North-South relations shows that efforts to improve bilateral ties can come to fruition only when the two sides work together based upon cooperation among Korean people.”

"The will to enhance North-South relations must be backed up not by words, but by practical actions to foster inter-Korean reconciliation and unity, and reunification.”

“Any move to block inter-Korean contact through "improper pretexts and legal and institutional tools" is only a "deceptive" gambit to misguide public opinion at home and abroad.”

Ri Son-gwon- Head, Inter-Korean Affairs

January 3, 2018¹¹

"By upholding a decision by the leadership, we will make close contact with South Korea in a sincere and honest manner

"We will discuss working-level issues over our potential dispatch of the delegation."

"The leader (Kim Jong-un) stressed that whether inter-Korean ties can be improved totally depends on North and South Korea.”

USA

Statement- White House

January 16, 2018¹²

“President Donald J. Trump spoke yesterday with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China to discuss recent developments on the Korean Peninsula.  President Trump and President Xi acknowledged the resumption of inter-Korean dialogue and expressed hope that it might prompt a change in North Korea’s destructive behavior.  President Trump committed to sustain the United States-led global campaign of maximum pressure to compel North Korea to commit to denuclearization.”

Rex Tillerson- Secretary of State

January 16, 2018¹³

"The pressure campaign will continue until North Korea takes decisive steps to denuclearize. This is a strategy that will require patience.”

"Let me be clear: We will not allow North Korea to drive a wedge through our resolve or our solidarity.”

"As it was in the beginning, the great goal of the pressure campaign is to cut off the sources of funding that the DPRK uses to finance its illegal nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Additionally, we must increase the cost of the regime's behavior to the point that North Korea comes to the table for credible negotiations."

"The object of the negotiations, if we get there, is the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea."

"When we consider the DPRK has avowed strikes on civilian targets, that Oslo is nearer to Pyongyang than Seattle, that London is nearer to North Korea than Los Angeles, that Amsterdam, Ankara, Beijing, Paris and Moscow are nearer than New York City, we see a global problem requiring a global solution.”

Jim Mattis- Secretary of Defense

January 15, 2018¹⁴

"It's expanding the number of nations that are sitting down now and looking at how we reinforce the diplomatic overtures and the diplomatic initiatives.”

"If the diplomatic option does not work, then obviously the whole point is to reinforce the diplomatic option to show that there are military options should there be a DPRK attack.”

The meeting should "let the diplomats know that they are backed up by the force of arms."

"I don't think they relieve any of the U.N. sanctions (against North Korea).”

"I don't think ... we have sufficient data to say what this indicates as far as the way forward by the (North's) Kim (Jong-un) regime."

Donald Trump- President

January 14, 2018¹⁵

“Well, The Wall Street Journal, as you know, quoted totally wrong.  But we’re going to see what happens with North Korea.  We have great talks going on.  The Olympics, you know about.  A lot of things can happen.”

January 14, 2018¹⁶

“The Wall Street Journal stated falsely that I said to them “I have a good relationship with Kim Jong Un” (of N. Korea). Obviously I didn’t say that. I said “I’d have a good relationship with Kim Jong Un,” a big difference.”

January 11, 2018¹⁷

“President Xi has been extremely generous with what he’s said, I like him a lot. I have a great relationship with him, as you know I have a great relationship with Prime Minister Abe of Japan and I probably have a very good relationship with Kim Jong Un of North Korea.”

January 11, 2018¹⁸

"He's (Moon Jae-in) very thankful for what we've done. They're (South Korea) having talks with North Korea. We'll see how that happens. He felt that the original -- that the initial talk was extremely good. Had a lot of good comment."

Statement- White House

January 12, 2018¹⁹

“The Donald J. Trump Administration is pleased that China is sharply reducing its trade with North Korea.  This action supports the United States-led global effort to apply maximum pressure until the North Korean regime ends its illicit programs, changes its behavior, and moves toward denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.”

Brian Hook-   Director of Policy Planning, State Department

January 11, 2018²⁰

“The Vancouver Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Security and Stability in the Korean Peninsula will be held in Vancouver on January 16th. The United States and Canada are convening the meeting to demonstrate international commitment to diplomatic solutions to the escalating threat posed by DPRK’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. The ministerial – the goal of the ministerial is to provide a practical mechanism – mechanisms to exert continued pressure on the Kim regime while demonstrating that diplomatic options remain open and viable.”

“Among the issues we will be discussing is how the international community can thwart North Korean efforts to evade UN sanctions through smuggling.”

“At Vancouver we will be discussing maritime interdiction. We continue to explore all options to enhance maritime security and the ability to interdict maritime traffic, those transporting goods to and from the DPRK that support the nuclear and missile program.”

Heather Nauert- Sopkesperson, State Department

January 9, 2018²¹

“The United States welcomes the January 9 meeting between the Republic of Korea and North Korea aimed at ensuring a safe, secure, and successful Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang. The United States remains in close consultations with ROK officials, who will ensure North Korean participation in the Winter Olympics does not violate the sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council over North Korea’s unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs.”

Sarah Sanders- Press Secretary, White House

January 9, 2018²²

"The North Korean participation is an opportunity for the regime to see the value of ending its international isolation by denuclearizing.  We hope that we can continue to move forward on that front, but certainly doesn’t affect our participation."

“I think certainly the next steps would be — denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is our number-one priority and certainly what we would like to see.”

Mike Pence- Vice President

January 8, 2018²³

"President Trump has been marshaling unprecedented economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea. And to have North Korea literally be willing, as they'll do later today, to sit down with South Korea -- just on the topic of Olympics -- I think is a direct result of the pressure that President Trump has been able to marshal on North Korea.”

Nikki Haley- Ambassador to UN

January 7, 2018²⁴

"I think that he always has to keep Kim on his toes.”

"It's very important that we don't ever let him get so arrogant that he doesn't realize the reality of what would happen if he started a nuclear war."
"We're not going to let them go and dramatize the fact that they have a button right on their desk and they can destroy America.”

"We want to always remind them we can destroy you too, so be very cautious and careful with your words and what you do."
“I think stop testing is very important and for a significant amount of time.”

"And then you go and you work toward the next step. This is going to be phases. This isn't going to happen overnight as we've seen, but it's a dangerous situation."

“Those two countries (North Korea and South Korea) have to get along. That's good for the United States that they can at least start getting back into talks.”

Dana W. White- Chief Spokesperson , Pentagon

January 8, 2018²⁵

“Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis spoke with Japan Minister of Defense Itsunori Onodera today to discuss a range of U.S.-Japan Alliance matters.”

“Secretary Mattis and Minister Onodera condemned North Korea’s reckless and unlawful behavior.  They discussed the importance of maximizing pressure on North Korea so it changes its path, refrains from provocative and threatening actions, and makes a strategic decision to abandon its nuclear and missile programs.”

Mike Pompeo- Director, CIA

January 7, 2018²⁶

"We want the regime (North Korea) to understand that unlike before, we are intent on resolving this, and it is our firm conviction that resolving this diplomatically is the correct answer.”

"But that this administration is prepared to do what it takes to ensure that people in Los Angeles and Denver and New York aren't held at risk from Kim Jong-un having a nuclear weapon."

"We in this administration understand the seriousness of what it is we are undertaking. We understand the threat.”

"The North Koreans are behaving out of fear. That is, they are very concerned that America, for the first time in an awfully long time, is serious about denuclearizing the peninsula.”

"And I think they are trying to find a foothold, trying to find a place to reach out. And we'll just have to wait and see how the conversations go Tuesday."

Donald Trump- President

January 6, 2018²⁷

Regarding inter-Korea talk, the President Trump said,

"I would love to see them take it beyond the Olympic.”

"And at the appropriate time, we'll get involved."

Asked whether he would be willing to speak directly with Kim, the U.S. president said,

"Sure, I always believe in talking."

"He knows I'm not messing around, not even a little bit."

Rex Tillerson- Secretary of State

January 5, 2018²⁸

“President has been very clear – to achieve a denuclearization through diplomatic efforts, those diplomatic efforts are backed by a strong military option if necessary. That is not the first choice, and the President has been clear that’s not his first choice. But it is important that North Korea, as well as other regional players, understand how high the stakes are in an effort to ensure our diplomatic efforts are fully supported.”

Jim Mattis- Secretary of Defense

January 5, 2018²⁹

“I spoke with my minister of defense counterpart in Seoul. I will tell you, there is not a one degree of difference on where we stand vis-a-vis the long-term defense of ROK, our ally, about the denuclearization. However, the discussion that's going to go on here shortly, which I think is your particular question.”

Donald Trump- President

January 4, 2018³⁰

"With all of the failed 'experts' weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasn't firm, strong and willing to commit our total 'might' against the North. Fools, but talks are a good thing!"

Statement- White House

January 4, 2018³¹

“President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea to discuss recent developments on the Korean Peninsula.  The two leaders agreed to continue the campaign of maximum pressure against North Korea and to not repeat mistakes of the past.  The United States and the Republic of Korea are committed to a safe and successful 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang.  President Trump told President Moon that the United States will send a high-level delegation to the Olympics.  The two leaders agreed to de-conflict the Olympics and our military exercises so that United States and Republic of Korea forces can focus on ensuring the security of the Games.”

Jim Mattis- Secretary of Defense

January 4, 2018³²

“I wouldn't read too much into it () because we don't know if it's a genuine olive branch or not.  Obviously, we have to be open to anything that would implement a diplomatic solution.”

Heather Nauert -Spokesperson, State Department

January 4, 2018³³

“We are looking forward to participating in the Olympics. We have a lot of athletes who have been training a very long time in order to do this, and they look forward to being a part of the Winter Olympics.”

"Our understanding is that these talks will be limited. These talks will be limited to conversations about the Olympics and perhaps some other domestic matters ... not beyond that.”

"This is not something where the Republic of Korea (South Korea) is going to go off freelancing or having lots of conversations with them."

Gen. Vincent K. Brooks- Commander, U.S. Forces Korea (USFK)

January 4, 2018³⁴

Regarding North Korean offer to talk with South Korea Gen Brooks said, 

"We have to keep our expectations at an appropriate level."

Mike Pence- Vice President

January 3, 2018³⁵

“America will not be bullied, America will not be threatened, and that the United States of America has, by being clear, managed to marshal an unprecedented amount of economic and diplomatic pressure on North Korea.”

"And I truly do believe that making it clear that all options are on the table; that, as the president has done, making it clear the United States of America has the capacity to defend our people far beyond anything North Korea could imagine; but also making it clear that if North Korea will abandon their nuclear and ballistic missile ambitions, if they will dismantle those programs, there's an opportunity for a peaceable solution."

Sarah Sanders- Press Secretary, White House

January 3, 2018³⁶

"I think the president and the people of this country should be concerned about the mental fitness of the leader of North Korea.”

 "He's made repeated threats, he's tested missiles, time and time again, for years, and this is a president who's not going to cower down and is not going to be weak, and is going to make sure that he does what he's promised to do; and that's stand up and protect the American people."
Regarding the “nuclear button tweet” the Press secretary said,  "I think it's just a fact. The president's very well aware of how the process works and what the capacity of the United States is. And I can you tell that it's greater than that of North Korea.”

Donald Trump- President

January 2, 2018³⁷

“North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the “Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.” Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!”

January 2, 2018³⁸

"Sanctions and 'other' pressures are beginning to have a big impact on North Korea. Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea. Rocket man now wants to talk to South Korea for first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not -- we will see!"

Nikki Haley – Ambassador to UN

January 2, 2018³⁹

“We are hearing reports that North Korea might be preparing to fire another missile.”

“I hope that doesn’t happen. But if it does, we must bring even tougher measures to bear against the North Korean regime.”

“North Korea can talk to anyone they want, but the U.S. is not going to recognize it or acknowledge it until they agree to ban the nuclear weapons that they have.”

Sarah Sanders- Press Secretary, White House

January 2, 2017⁴⁰

“Our policy on North Korea hasn’t changed at all.  The United States is committed and will still continue to put maximum pressure on North Korea to change and make sure that it denuclearizes the Peninsula.  Our goals are the same, and we share that with South Korea, but our policy and our process has not changed in this.”

“The focus here is to continue.. to apply maximum pressure on North Korea.”

“Our alliance and friendship with South Korea remains stronger than it ever has been, and we’re in close contact with those people about a unified response.  We’re going to continue to work with South Korea to put maximum pressure on North Korea and work toward the ultimate shared goal that we both have.”

Heather Nauert- Spokesperson, State Department

January 2, 2017⁴¹

“We are close allies with the Republic of Korea. If ROK wants to sit down and have a conversation with the DPRK, that is certainly their choice. We look forward to our participation in the Winter Olympic Games. That certainly hasn’t changed. Our policy hasn’t changed. We are working toward a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. Our policy remains the same. If the Republic of Korea and if the DPRK want to have a conversation, that’s fine, but we aren’t going to necessarily believe that Kim Jong-un is sincere and is credible in his talks.”

“We have a very strong relationship with the Republic of Korea, as we do with Japan. We have had a strong alliance with them for many, many decades. That hasn’t changed. Kim Jong-un may be trying to drive a wedge of some sort between the two nations, between our nation and the Republic of Korea. I can assure you that that will not happen, that will not occur. We are very skeptical of Kim Jong-un’s sincerity in sitting down and having talks. Our policy hasn’t changed, the South Koreans’ policy has not changed, that we both support a denuclearized Korean Peninsula, as, frankly, does the world.”

South Korea

Kang Kyung-wha- Foreign Minister

January 16, 2018⁴²

"While we endeavor to make the most of the new opening in inter-Korean dialogue, we are well aware that sustained improvements in inter-Korean relations cannot take place without advances in efforts to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, and vice versa.”

"The two tracks must be pursued in complementarity.”

"Denuclearization is a fundamental element of a lasting peace on the Korean peninsula. Thus, as we endeavor to engage the North before, during and perhaps beyond PyeongChang, we do so in clear sight of the denuclearization imperative.”

"I believe the two tools -- tough sanctions and pressure on the one hand, and the offer of a different, brighter future on the other -- has worked hand in hand. Indeed, the concerted efforts of the international community has begun to bear fruit.”

"We should take note that the North has come back to inter-Korean dialogue for its participation in the Winter Games, as evidence and observations accumulate to show that sanctions and pressure are beginning to take effect.”

"The complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization of North Korea remains the unwavering goal of the Korean government and the international community.”

"As long as North Korea continues down the path of nuclear development, sanctions will remain in place, and Korea will continue to work closely with the international community to force a change of course on North Korea."

Statement- Ministry of Foreign Affairs

January 14, 2018⁴³

"We expect that the upcoming meeting will provide a platform to strengthen international coordination and spread consensus for peaceful and diplomatic resolutions of the North's nuclear problem."

Statement- Ministry of Defense

January 12, 2018⁴⁴

"With regard to the (upcoming) South-North military talks, the focus is the successful hosting of the PyeongChang Olympics,"

"There's no problem in (verbal) communication despite some noise, as aged copper cables are in use.”

Moon Jae-in- President

January 11, 2018⁴⁵

“I do not want the immediate unification of the Korean Peninsula. My goal is to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue and solidify peace while I am in office.”

“If peace begins in PyeongChang, I will turn it into a stable system that takes root. To solve the North Korean nuclear issue and settle peace, I will pursue more dialogue and cooperative projects.” 

I stress once again; the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is a process toward peace and a goal at the same time. The denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, which was declared by the two Koreas, is our fundamental position that can never be compromised.” 

January 11, 2018⁴⁶

"Now the dialogue with North Korea has begun, but because the North Korean nuclear issue has not been resolved, South Korea will continue to keep pace with pressure and sanctions by the international community. We have no plans for now to ease our unilateral sanctions against North Korea, which are in place in addition to international sanctions.”

Yoon Young-chan- Chief Press Secretary, Office of the President

January 11, 2018⁴⁷

"President Xi Jinping welcomed the improvement in the South-North Korea relationship as the result of high-level talks between the South and the North and said he actively supports President Moon Jae-in and the South Korean government to that end.”

"The two leaders agreed to strengthen strategic dialogue and cooperation between South Korea and China so that inter-Korean dialogue will go beyond North Korea's participation in the PyeongChang Olympic Games and lead to the peaceful resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue and the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

Lee Do-hoon- Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs

January 11, 2018⁴⁸

"I explained the results of the South-North high-level talks to the U.S. side, and they expressed their understanding and support," Lee told reporters here. "We talked about ways to develop South-North and North-U.S. ties, and based on our coordination with the U.S., we plan to move on to the next stage."

"Coordination between South Korea and the U.S. becomes ever more important during serious times."

"Thankfully, our coordination has recently been ideally smooth."

Moon Jae-in- President

January 10, 2018

"Now the dialogue with North Korea has begun, but because the North Korean nuclear issue has not been resolved, South Korea will continue to keep pace with the pressure and sanctions by the international community. We have no plans to ease our unilateral sanctions against North Korea that are in place in addition to international sanctions for now."

"We must also seek to realize the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue while improving South-North Korean relations. These two are not an issue that can go separate ways. The South-North Korean issue can be improved when the North Korean nuclear issue is resolved and once the South-North Korean relations are improved, they can help resolve the North Korean nuclear issue.”

"The goal of sanctions and pressure is to bring North Korea to the dialogue table. This is only the start, but we cannot say dialogue is the only solution. We will work to help resolve the North Korean nuclear issue by seeking improvements in the South-North Korea relationship through dialogue but should the North stage an additional provocation, the international community will continue to put strong sanctions. And our government too will not have no choice but to push for both (dialogue and sanctions),"

"They (inter-Korean talks) may have been the outcome of the sanctions and pressure led by the United States.” 

 "The dialogue between South Korea and North Korea have begun. We plan to turn this dialogue into a chance to improve South-North Korea relations and also resolve the North Korean nuclear issue through dialogue."

Cho Myoung-gyon- Unification Minister

January 9, 2018⁴⁹

"This meeting takes on significance in terms of restoring and developing inter-Korean ties. The two sides shared the need to upgrade our ties based on mutual respect,", the South's chief delegate, told pool reporters at the truce village.

"South-North ties took their first step. As they have been strained for a long time, there are a lot tasks to do," 

Kang Kyung-wha- Foreign Minister

January 8, 2018

"The government is looking beyond North Korea's participation in the PyeongChang Olympics to consider ways to improve inter-Korean relations and seek close collaboration with the international community to bring about North Korea's denuclearization.”

"If North Korea joins the PyeongChang Olympics, it would strengthen the profile of the event as a peace Olympics.”

"Seoul has been mustering every effort to make the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics a festival and international sports event for peace."

Cho Myoung-gyon- Minister, Ministry of Unification

January 8, 2018⁵⁰

"Basically, the two sides will focus on the Olympics. When discussing inter-Korean relations, the government will seek to raise the issue of war-torn families and ways to ease military tensions."

"After this week's high-level talks, there will be the need to continue discussions at the working level. That's why the government made the composition of the delegation in such a way.”

"We will listen to what North Korea will say. We will make efforts to enable the North to take part in the games.”

Moon Jae-in – President

January 5, 2018⁵¹

"I will not just naively push for dialogue as in the past. I will also seek to establish peace while pushing for dialogue based on strong defensive capabilities."

"We will closely consult with the United States in the process of South-North Korea dialogue and we are confident that South-North Korea dialogue helps create an atmosphere for dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea on resolving the North Korean nuclear issue."

Cho Myoung-gyon- Minister, Ministry of Unification

January 5, 2018⁵²

"It is good that the resumption of inter-Korean talks could set the tone for an improvement in ties between the two Koreas, and better relations could become a small catalyst for helping resolving the North Korean nuclear issue”.

Baik Tae-hyun- Spokesman, Ministry of Unification

January 5, 2018⁵³

“The main agenda items will include how to improve the two Koreas' relations including (the North's participation in) the Winter Games."

"There is no change in the government's stance that along with efforts to restore inter-Korean ties, Seoul will consistently push for North Korea's denuclearization together with the international community.”

"We will prepare for talks, based on close coordination with the U.S. and relevant countries.”

"The government has a basic stance that it will prepare for the events in a way that North Korea's participation in the games does not violate international sanctions, including Washington's unilateral punitive actions."

Official- Office of the President

January 5, 2018⁵⁴

"The priority is on North Korea's participation in the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games.”

"I believe there will be discussions related to improving South-North ties after the North's participation in the Olympics becomes final."

Noh Kyu-duk – Spokesman, Foreign Ministry

January 4, 2018⁵⁵

"Our government does not agree with the freeze-for-freeze stance.”

"Currently, military authorities of South Korea and the U.S. are having close discussions.”

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes inter-Korean relations should be improved in a way that makes progress on the issue of denuclearizing North Korea."

Kang Kyung-wha- Foreign Minister

January 4, 2018⁵⁶ 

Foreign Minister’s remarks in a meeting with Marc Knapper, acting U.S. ambassador to South Korea, and Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

"You know that we are responding to North Korea's New Year's message, which gave some opening and signals for dialogue primarily on their intention to come to the PyeongChang Olympic Games.”

"Moving forward, of course, we will be in close touch with you. ... We have much work ahead that will require us to stay closely in touch." 

"My president had made it clear in responding to North Korea's messages ... that (inter-Korean contacts) cannot go separately from our joint endeavors to deal with North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.”

Col. Roh Jae-cheon- Spokesman, Joint Chiefs of Staff

January 4, 2018⁵⁷

"There is no activity that would lead to an assessment that a missile provocation by North Korea is imminent.”

Statement- Unification Ministry

January 3, 2018⁵⁸

“A North Korean official first contacted the South side via the channel.. Both sides talked for 20 minutes to check for technical problems.”

"We will consult with North Korea over working-level issues in connection to our dialogue offer through the hotline.”

Statement – Foreign Ministry

January 3, 2018⁵⁹ 

Foreign Ministry issued a statement regarding a telephone conversation between Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on recent developments related to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's New Year speech.

"The two ministers exchanged views on the New Year speech and agreed to continue joint diplomatic efforts to attain a shared objective of peacefully resolving North Korea's nuclear problem through ironclad coordination."

Yoon Young-chan- Press Secretary, President

January 3, 2018⁶⁰

"I believe it (reopening of an inter-Korean communication hotline) signals a move toward an environment where communication will be possible at all times.”

Moon Jae-in – President

January 2, 2018⁶¹

"I view chairman Kim Jong-un's remarks about sending a North Korean delegation to the PyeongChang Olympics and holding government-level dialogue as a response to our proposal to turn the PyeongChang Olympic Games into a groundbreaking chance to improve South-North relations and establish peace."

"An improvement in inter-Korean relations may not go a separate way from (efforts) to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue, so I ask the foreign ministry to closely consult with our allies and the international community so that we may push for an improvement in inter-Korean relationship and the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue at the same time."

I hope the Unification Ministry and the Ministry of Culture and Sports will swiftly come up with follow-up measures to quickly restore South-North Korean dialogue and realize the North Korean delegation's participation in the PyeongChang Olympics."

Do Jong-hwan- Sports Minister

January 2, 2017⁶²

"We'll do the best we can if the PyeongChang Olympics can help reduce military tensions on the Korean Peninsula, improve inter-Korean relations and restore peace on the peninsula. And to that end, we're in close coordination with relevant government agencies."

Noh Kyu-duk- Spokesman, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

January 2, 2017⁶³

"While keeping close tabs on North Korea's movements including those regarding (leader Kim Jong-un's) New Year address, South Korea and the U.S. will continue their watertight coordination.”

"The foreign ministry plans to make various diplomatic efforts to pave the way for progress in denuclearizing North Korea as well as improving inter-Korean relations by proactively utilizing the momentum from North Korea's possible participation in the Olympics and possible resumption of inter-Korean talks."

Lee Nak-yon- Prime Minister

January 2, 2018⁶⁴

"It appears that South-North talks will take place for the first time in a long time.”

"There is a sufficient possibility of North Korea demanding different treatment as it is arguing (that is now a nuclear power).”

"Nonetheless, however we have to exercise imagination and wisdom and muster courage to take advantage of this opportunity."

Cho Myoung-gyon- Unification Minister

January 2, 2018⁶⁵

Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon proposed that the two Koreas meet next Tuesday (January 9, 2018) at the truce village of Panmunjom in the heavily fortified demilitarized zone.

"We hope that South and North Korea will sit down to discuss the North's participation in the games and ways to improve inter-Korean ties in a frank manner.”

"The government has a willingness to have dialogue with the North regardless of timing, place and format.”

"We think that the suspended inter-Korean communication channels should be immediately restored. We propose that the two Koreas discuss details of talks including agenda items and the composition of delegations through the channel at the truce village.”

 "We look forward to the North's positive response to this."

Kang Kyung-wha - Foreign Minister

January 2, 2018⁶⁶

"This year will be a busier year for us, since the pace at which inter-Korean relations move forward should be met with closer coordination for our bilateral ties and standing in the global community," 

"To that end (improving ties with the North should come together with efforts to denuclearize the North), the president asked the foreign ministry to play an active part in coordinating with the four major powers and the international community." 

Park Soo-hyun-  Spokesman, Cheong Wa Dae (Presidential Office)

January 1, 2018

"We welcome that Kim expressed willingness to send a delegation and proposed talks as he acknowledged the need for improvement in inter-Korean ties.”

 "The successful launch of the games will contribute to stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in East Asia and the rest of the world."

"We hope to sit together (with the North) as concerned parties to find a solution to enhance stability on the peninsula while engaging with the international community in resolving the nuclear issue.”

China

Lu Kang- Spokesperson,  Foreign Ministry

January 16,2018⁶⁷ 

Regarding Foreign Ministers Meeting on the Korean Peninsula situation in Canada, 

“This meeting has not the slightest legality and representativeness to speak of. Just think about it. It is the 21st century, and everyone is concerned about and working towards properly and peacefully resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue. But some parties dusted off the Cold War term of "UN Command" and convened a meeting where major parties to the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue are not represented. One has to question what they are going after. I want to repeat that this meeting has no legality and representativeness at all, and China has been opposing it all along.”

Lu Kang- Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry

January 9, 2018⁶⁸ 

“We are pleased to see the high-level talks happen between the DPRK and the ROK.”

Geng Shuang – Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry

January 5, 2018⁶⁹

“China welcomes and supports the DPRK and the ROK's recent positive moves to improve their relations. We also hope that the international community can give its support and work together to find a viable path to easing tensions, enhancing mutual trust and resuming dialogue.”

Regarding the postponement of ROK-US military drill, the spokesperson said,

“This is undoubtedly a good thing. As we said many times, we welcome the recent positive trend on the Korean Peninsula.”

Geng Shuang – Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry

January 3, 2018⁷⁰

“China welcomes and supports the DPRK and the ROK in taking this opportunity of Pyeongchang Winter Olympics to make concrete effort to improve their relations, ease tensions on the Peninsula and realize the denuclearization of the Peninsula.”

Geng Shuang- Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry

January 2, 2018⁷¹

“China welcomes and supports the DPRK and the ROK in taking this opportunity to make concrete effort to improve their relations, ease tensions in the Peninsula and realize the denuclearization of the Peninsula.”

“We stressed time and again that the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue is a security issue in essence, and its crux is the contradiction between the DPRK and the US. We encourage the two sides, as major parties concerned, to resume dialogue and build mutual trust and make concrete effort to bring the issue back to the right track of settlement through dialogue and consultation at the end.”

Russia

Sergey Lavrov- Foreign Minister

January 15, 2018⁷²

“In the last few months the situation was seriously aggravated by Washington’s threats to resolve the nuclear issue of the Korean Peninsula exclusively by force.”

“The nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula is one of the most serious items on the international agenda. Russia and China are actively cooperating on this track.”

“This is probably the most important issue on the bilateral agenda that Russia and China are now working to resolve.”

Regarding Foreign Ministers Meeting on the Korean Peninsula situation in Canada,

“Russia was not the only country that was not invited; China wasn’t either. With all due respect to those who initiated this, I do not expect anything productive from it; I will be glad if only nothing counterproductive happens. But this looks unlikely, because the agenda sounds like “increasing pressure on North Korea.”

Maria Zakharova- Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

January 12, 2018⁷³

“The elements of the negotiation process that we have seen must send a very important signal and indicate the manner in which this matter can as well as must be resolved.”

“Russia, on its part, has repeatedly stated that it is willing to provide help in the talks and in settling this situation, and has answered the question on whether the help can be formal or informal.”

“We are aware of plans to hold in Vancouver a meeting of representatives of the member countries of the coalition of the Korean War of 1950-1953. We cannot help but regard this idea as a relapse of the Cold War mentality, which is especially inappropriate against the backdrop of recent signs of movement towards dialogue between the North and South of the Korean Peninsula.”

“We do not consider it possible to support an event that could aggravate the already tense situation on the Korean Peninsula.”

“We would not want this the inter-Korean talks to be a single event held in the context of the upcoming Olympic Games in South Korea, followed by the resumption of indifference, accusations and, worst of all, threats. We hope that these talks will show that both parties can interact constructively and maintain a dialogue, in which case the situation could lead to prospects for a political and diplomatic settlement.”

Vladimir Putin- President

January 11, 2018⁷⁴

“I think that Mr. Kim Jong Un has obviously won this round. He has completed his strategic task: he has a nuclear weapon, he has missiles of global reach, up to 13,000 km, which can reach almost any point of the globe."

"He is already a shrewd and mature politician."

Dmitry Peskov- Spokesman, Kremlin

January 9, 2018⁷⁵

"We welcome direct contacts between representatives of the two Koreas. We believe it is only possible to achieve de-escalation of tensions through this dialogue, and this is precisely the dialogue the Russian leadership said was necessary."

Maria Zakharova- Spokeswoman, Foreign Ministry

January 5, 2018⁷⁶

"We welcome the first contacts between Seoul and Pyongyang. We believe that direct dialogue will facilitate de-escalation of tension on the Korean peninsula.”

Frants Klintsevich- Chairman, Defense and Security Committee

January 3, 2018⁷⁷

"My opinion is it is not worth the U.S. as a great country to compete with the DPRK in sizes of nuclear buttons, and besides it is not a sort of argument, which could persuade its leader Kim Jong-un.”

"We are waiting for the U.S. to lay on the table way much stronger arguments - common sense and responsibility - those are not to be covered."

Japan

Taro Kono- Foreign Minister

January 16, 2018⁷⁸

“We should have in mind is that North Korea continues to advance its nuclear and missile programs even as we speak and we should not be naive about their intent, nor should we be blinded by North Korea’s charm offensive. In short, it is not the time to ease pressure or to reward North Korea.”

“International sanctions have gradually borne fruits. The fact that North Korea is engaging in dialogue could be interpreted as proof that the sanctions are working. I would therefore argue that now is the time for all the country to renew their determination to implement relevant Security Council resolutions fully and rigorously, reinforcing autonomous measures when and where available.”

Taro Kono- Foreign Minister

January 9, 2018⁷⁹

“I think it is positive that North Korea is expressing its interest in participation because the Olympics are an event for peace. As part of this initiative, it is important to send a firm message from the international community and encourage North Korea’s regime to understand that the future of its current policy is not bright.”

Yoshihide Suga- Chief Cabinet Secretary

January 9, 2018⁸⁰

“North Korea’s change in stand on PyeongChang Olympics should be taken positively.”

“Tokyo remains committed to pressuring Pyongyang in various ways to put a halt to its missile and nuclear development. Tokyo will keep cooperating with the US and South Korea.”

Shinzo Abe- Prime Minister

January 4, 2018⁸¹

“It is not an exaggeration to say that the security environment surrounding Japan is at its severest since World War Two. I will protect the people’s lives and peaceful living in any situation.”

“It is absolutely unacceptable that North Korea is trampling the strong desire of Japan and the rest of the international community for peaceful resolutions and continuing with its provocative behavior.”