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North Korea |
Statement- Foreign Ministry July 8, 20185 “We expected that the U.S. side would bring itself with a constructive proposal which would help build up trust true to the spirit of the DPRK-U.S. summit meeting and talks. We, on our part, were also thinking of doing something which corresponds with it.” “It was, however, so regretful to mention what the U.S. side had shown in its attitude and stand at the first DPRK-U.S. high-level talks held on July 6-7.” “The DPRK side, during the talks, put forward the constructive proposals to seek a balanced implementation of all the provisions of the Joint Statement out of its firm willingness to remain faithful to the implementation of the spirit and agreed points of the DPRK-U.S. summit meeting and talks.” “These include taking wide-ranging proactive steps of simultaneous actions in a respective manner such as realizing multilateral exchanges for improved relations between the DPRK and the U.S., making public a declaration on the end of war first on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement to build a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, dismantling the test ground of high thrust engine to make a physical verification of the suspension of ICBM production as part of denuclearization steps and making an earliest start of the working-level talks for recovering POW/MIA remains.” “Chairman Kim Jong Un expressed his expectation and conviction that good personal relations forged with President Trump and his sentiments of good faith built towards the latter at the Singapore summit meeting and talks would be further consolidated through the process of future dialogues such as high-level talks this time.” “But, the U.S. side came up only with its unilateral and gangster-like demand for denuclearization just calling for CVID, declaration and verification, all of which run counter to the spirit of the Singapore summit meeting and talks.” “The U.S. side never mentioned the issue of establishing a peace regime on the Korean peninsula which is essential for defusing tension and preventing a war. It took the position that it would even backtrack on the issue it had agreed on to end the status of war under certain conditions and excuses.” “As for the issue of announcing the declaration of the end of war at an early date, it is the first process of defusing tension and establishing a lasting peace regime on the Korean peninsula, and at the same time, it constitutes a first factor in creating trust between the DPRK and the U.S. This issue was also stipulated in inter-Korean Panmunjom Declaration as a historical task to terminate the war status on the Korean peninsula which has lasted for nearly 70 years. President Trump, too, was more enthusiastic about this issue at the DPRK-U.S. summit talks.” “The issues the U.S. side insisted on at the talks are all roots of troubles, which the previous administrations also had insisted on to disrupt the dialogue processes, stoke the distrust and increase the danger of war.” “The U.S. side, during the talks, made a great publicity about suspension of one or two joint military exercises. But suspension of one action called exercises is a highly reversible step which can be resumed anytime at any moment as all of its military force remains intact in its previously-held positions without scraping even a rifle. This is incomparable with the irreversible step taken by the DPRK to explode and dismantle the nuclear test ground.” “The results of the talks can't but be so apprehensive.” “We thought that the U.S. side would come with a constructive proposal which accords with the spirit of the DPRK-U.S. summit meeting and talks. But expectation and hope of ours were so naive as to be gullible.” “Conventional ways can never create new things. Treading on trite stereotype of all the failure would invite another failure only.” “Valuable agreement was reached in such a short time at the Singapore summit first ever in the history of the DPRK-U.S. relations. This is attributable to the fact that President Trump himself said he would move towards resolving the DPRK-U.S. relations and the issue of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula in a new way.” “If both sides at the working level reneged on the new way agreed at the summit and returned to the old way, the epoch-making Singapore summit would be meaningless, which was held thanks to the determinations and will of the two top leaders to open a new future for the interests of the two peoples and peace and security of the world.” “The first DPRK-U.S. high-level talks this time brought us in a dangerous situation where we may be shaken in our unshakable will for denuclearization, rather than consolidating trust between the DPRK and the U.S.” “In the last few months, we displayed maximum patience and watched the U.S. while initiating good-will steps as many as we can.” “But, it seems that the U.S. misunderstood our goodwill and patience.” “The U.S. is fatally mistaken if it went to the extent of regarding that the DPRK would be compelled to accept, out of its patience, the demands reflecting its gangster-like mindset.” “A shorter way to denuclearization on the Korean peninsula is to remove deep-rooted mistrust and build up trust between the DPRK and the U.S. For this, both sides should be bold enough to be free from old ways which had only recorded failures and resolve the problem in a fresh manner which is never bound by the existing ways. A shortcut to it is also to take a step-by-step approach and follow the principle of simultaneous actions in resolving what is feasible one by one while giving priority to creating trust.” “But, if the U.S., being captivated in a fidget, tries to force upon us the old ways claimed by the previous administrations, this will get us nowhere.” “If the objective situation does not stand in favor of the denuclearization against our will, this would rather cast a heavy cloud over the atmosphere of developing bilateral relations which had shown its good movement in its beginning.” “Should the headwind begin to blow, it would cause a great disappointment not only to the international society aspiring after global peace and security but also to both the DPRK and the U.S. If so, this will finally make each side seek for another choice and there is no guarantee that this will not result in yet another tragedy.” “We still cherish our good faith in President Trump.” “The U.S. should make a serious consideration of whether the toleration of the headwind against the will of the two top leaders would meet the aspirations and expectations of the world people as well as the interests of its country.” Official- North Korean Government July 6, 20186 North Korean officials told South Korean reporters on a visit to Pyongyang that Pyongyang has already sent invitation to Beijing to ask for Xi Jinping's visit to the North to celebrate its 70th founding anniversary, which falls on Sept. 9, 2018. Asked again if President Xi would come to Pyongyang, the official said, "He has to come because we have invited him." Uriminzokkiri July 6, 20187 In a recently published "2018 Trafficking in Persons Report", U.S. Department of State put North Korea in the lowest Tier 3 for 16 consecutive years. In response North Korea said, "Following recent summit talks in Singapore between the DPRK (North Korea) and the U.S., (the) bilateral relationship has been improving and follow-up talks are scheduled. But the U.S. still remains obsessed with pressing the North over its human rights condition.” "The (Tier 3) designation is an outright challenge to our efforts to end the world's last Cold War and contribute to the regional and global safety. It is also a derision of the international society's consistent wish for the improvement of the DPRK-U.S. relations.” "Now is the time for the DPRK and the U.S. to boldly abandon erroneous prejudices and practices, respect and trust each other to remove obstacles ahead, and take goodwill measures for each other.” |
USA |
Donald Trump- President July 9, 20188 "I have confidence that Kim Jong Un will honor the contract we signed &, even more importantly, our handshake.” "We agreed to the denuclearization of North Korea. China, on the other hand, may be exerting negative pressure on a deal because of our posture on Chinese Trade -- Hope Not!" July 5, 20189 "Under the Obama administration, they were launching missiles, they were testing.” "They're not doing that anymore. That could start tomorrow. Who knows. And if it does, I won't be happy. But for eight months, there's been not one rocket or missile launch or there hasn't been a nuclear test." "I think we understand each other.” “I really believe that he sees a different future for North Korea. I hope that's true. If that's not true, we'll go back to the other way." "We'll see. We'll see,. "All I can tell you is this. You haven't had one missile launch and you haven't had one rocket launch." July 3, 201810 “Many good conversations with North Korea-it is going well! In the meantime, no Rocket Launches or Nuclear Testing in 8 months. All of Asia is thrilled. Only the Opposition Party, which includes the Fake News, is complaining. If not for me, we would now be at War with North Korea!” Mike Pompeo- Secretary of State July 8, 201811 “I hope that the United States, that one day we can share the same (US-Vietnam) relationship with North Korea. We know it’s a real possibility because we see how Vietnam has traveled this remarkable path.” “This is the same issue that the United States faces today with Chairman Kim, where new ties with America combined with the industriousness of the Vietnamese people and sound leadership has made Vietnam an incredible success story today.” “In light of the once-unimaginable prosperity and partnership we have with Vietnam today, I have a message for Chairman Kim Jong-un: President Trump believes your country can replicate this path. It’s yours if you’ll seize the moment. The miracle could be yours; it can be your miracle in North Korea as well.” July 8, 201812 In Tokyo in a press conference along with Japanese and South Korean foreign ministers, Secretary Pompeo made a statement regarding his two day negotiation with North Korea in Pyongyang, “During the visit, we intended to build upon the agreements made by President Trump and Chairman Kim, and we made progress. But first let me make clear North Korea reaffirmed its commitment to complete denuclearization. We had detailed and substantive discussions about the next steps towards a fully verified and complete denuclearization.” “In addition, North Korea agreed to meet in mid-July in Panmunjom to discuss the repatriation of remains of our American service members. North Korea also reaffirmed its earlier commitment to destroy its missile engine test site, which will make the region and the world safer. We also established a working-level team that will carry out the day-to-day work of our two sides.” “Yep, the road ahead will be difficult and challenging, and we know critics will try to minimize the work that we’ve achieved. But our allies, like the Republic of Korea and Japan, President Trump and I believe that peace is worth the effort. And that’s something that we all want. As allies we share and are committed to the same goal – the fully verified, final denuclearization of North Korea, as agreed to by Chairman Kim Jong-un.” “Sanctions will remain in place until final, fully verified denuclearization, as agreed to by Chairman Kim, occurs.” “There is also no change to our ironclad commitment to the defense of our allies, the Republic of Korea and Japan. The security of our allies is integral to our American security.” “Most importantly is what the North Koreans understand. We had lengthy discussions about the scope of what complete denuclearization means over the past two days. They acknowledge that this is broad; this is, as my two colleagues have said, from weapons systems to fissile material to the production facilities, enrichment facilities, across the range of weapons and missiles. It’s a broad definition of denuclearization. The North Koreans understand that and have not challenged that.” “they also understand that denuclearization makes no sense absent verification, and they acknowledge that as well. There will be a verification connected to the complete denuclearization. It’s what President Trump and Chairman Kim both agreed to. “ “As we move forward, we have been very clear there were three parts of the agreement in the Singapore summit. There were the establishment of peaceful relations between the countries, increased security assurances to North Korea and its people, and finally, denuclearization. Each of those needs to be conducted in parallel. We need to work on those efforts simultaneously. And so it is absolutely the case that there are places where there will be things that take place along the way that help achieve the security assurances that the North Koreans need and improvement in the peaceful relations between our two countries during the time that denuclearization is taking place.” “With respect to timeline, we talked about timeline a great deal during our conversations. There’s still much work to do to establish what the precise timeline for the various events will be, and we talked about it in the context of the continued commitment of North Korea to destroy their missile engine test site, a commitment that they reaffirmed yesterday and told us that it would happen at a time that was important. And we told them important would be soon, and I am hopeful that that will take place soon. It will be an important event along the step towards denuclearization.” July 7, 201813 “We had many hours of productive conversations. These are complicated issues, but we made progress on almost all of the central issues. Some places a great deal of progress, other places there’s still more work to be done.” “We now have a meeting in Panmunjom set up for July 12 – it could move by one day or two – where there will be discussions between the folks responsible for the repatriation of remains, will take place at the border, and that process will begin to develop over the days that follow. So very productive conversation about the process by which we will deliver on the commitments that were made in the Singapore summit.” “The North Koreans also confirmed the missile engine testing facility, we talked about what the modalities would look like for the destruction of that facility as well, and so some progress there as well. And then we have laid out a path for further negotiations at the working level so that the two teams can get together and continue these discussions.” July 7, 201814 Before landing in Pyongyang, Pompeo said, "On this trip, I'm seeking to fill in some details on these commitments and continue the momentum toward the implementation of what the two leaders promised each other and the world.” "I expect that the DPRK is ready to do the same.” Sen. Lindsey Graham-US Senator July 8, 201815 "I see China's hands all over this. We are in a fight with China.” "There's no doubt in my mind that it's the Chinese pulling the North Koreans back." "If I were President Trump, I would not let China use North Korea to back me off of the trade dispute. We've got more bullets than they do when it comes to trade. We buy US$500 billion worth of goods from the Chinese. They buy $100 billion from us. They cheat, and President Trump wants to change the economic relationship with China." Heather Neuart- Spokesperson, State Department July 3, 201816 "I know that some individuals have given timelines. We are not going to provide a timeline for that (denuclearisation).” "The secretary's looking forward to having his meetings. A lot of work is left to be done, certainly. We are going into this with eyes wide open and a very clear view.” |
South Korea |
Kim Eui-kyeom- Spokesperson, Presidential Office July 9, 201817 The office of President Moon Jae-in on Monday played down differences between the United States and North Korea over the issue of declaring an end to the Korean War, saying it's part of a process to reach an agreement. "Declaring an end to the war is an issue that President Moon took the lead in raising. After all, it will boil down to when and how it will be done, and I believe that (the sides) are in the process of reaching agreement on all issues, including a declaration of the war's end." "Though we can't disclose every detail, we're communicating with the U.S. through various channels.” July 8, 201818 "The North Korea-U.S. talks held in Pyongyang marked the first step in a journey toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.” "As in our old saying that a journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, the start is the most important event in the whole process.” "Our government too will closely consult with the U.S. and North Korea for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of peace.” "It will not hold back any efforts or cooperation." July 5, 201819 "Our government's stance remains unchanged from what is contained in the Panmunjom Declaration and the Singapore Declaration that confirmed the goals contained in the Panmunjom Declaration.” Cho Moung-gyon – Minister, Unification July 9, 201820 "It is necessary (for the North and the U.S.) to work on ironing out their differences in initial stages of talks.” "I expect that the denuclearization and peace building will likely be carried out in a sustained and condensed manner going forward." July 5, 201821 "Those games (basketball) were all so moving and more dramatic than any drama.” "I believe that if the South and the North do just like our athletes have done, it will bring us a marked step toward reconciliation and peace." "I believe that sports exchanges like this will take the lead and help speed up the implementation of the Panmunjom Declaration adopted by the leaders of the two Koreas.” Kang Kyung-wha- Foreign Minister July 8, 201822 “Our goal remains complete denuclearization, and I think the FFVD, as used by Secretary Pompeo, isn't any softer in stating our shared goal of complete denuclearization. Obviously, terms have historical context, and this has been somewhat difficult for North Korea to signed onto in written form, but we are assured that Mr. Pompeo’s engagement with the North Koreans have been very, very clear on what complete denuclearization means and how to get from here to complete denuclearization, which means the complete dismantlement of the weapons, the materials, the facilities, the plans. This is a very clearly-set goal for North Korea, and we expect them to deliver on this commitment to complete denuclearization.” Statement- Office of the President July 6, 201823 "When it (Berlin Declaration of President Moon) was announced, military tensions on the Korean Peninsula was at its peak due to North Korea's repeated provocations and international sanctions to punish the North.” "Some raised questions over the possibility of realizing the Berlin Initiative, citing the heightened nuclear tensions and the long interruption in South-North Korean relations following the shutdown of the Kaesong industrial complex.” "However, the Berlin Initiative consisted of creative and balanced steps that all related countries could agree to while equally reflecting concerns held by the related countries, including the United States and North Korea, and attempting to fundamentally resolve the problem.” "Most of all, it sought to resolve the Korean Peninsula issue rather than the North Korean nuclear issue under the belief that the North Korean nuclear and missile issues have been caused by structural issues, such as the division of the two Koreas and the Cold War.” "The country will closely work with other related countries so the denuclearization process may quickly enter an implementation stage and move forward with speed.” "When necessary, it will seek to tow the denuclearization process and the process of improving U.S.-North Korea relations through its improved ties with North Korea." |
China |
Hua Chunying- Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry July 9, 201824 “We have ..noted that after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to the DPRK, there seems to be some differences between the statements made by the two sides. The Chinese side has been stressing that we hope that the DPRK and the US can strengthen dialogue and consultation, follow through on the consensus and outcomes of the summit in Singapore and move forward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and political settlement process of the Korean Peninsula issue in the right direction and strive to achieve steady progress in this aspect. Just now you said that some people in the US associated the inconsistency of the statements made by the DPRK and the US after their high-level meeting with China's role in the Korean Peninsula issue. I believe that it does not make any sense. China's attitude on this issue is consistent and clear-cut. We will continue to play a positive role in and make constructive contributions to realizing the denuclearization of the Peninsula and achieving the long-lasting peace and stability of the region.”
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Russia |
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Japan |
Kono Taro- Foreign Minister July 8, 201825 “We (US, Japan and South Korea) were able to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to continue strengthening of our trilateral cooperation towards the common goal of North Korea’s complete, verifiable, and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles of all ranges.” “We have reaffirmed that international community will continue to fully implement relevant UN Security Council resolutions in order to materialize CVID. Japan continues to seek normalize its relations with North Korea in accordance with Pyongyang Declaration through comprehensively resolving outstanding issues of concern such as nuclear missile and abductions issue, as well as through the settlement of the unfortunate past.”
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*The Author, Research Fellow, Indian Council of World Affairs, New Delhi.
Disclaimer: The views expressed are that of the Researcher and not of the Council.
1 "Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, and South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha at a Press Availability", The State Department, July 8, 2018, https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/07/283888.htm
2 "N. Korea to send 16 players to int'l table tennis tournament in S. Korea", The Yonhap News, July 6, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/06/0401000000AEN20180706005600315.html
3 "Koreas agree to cooperate to protect forestry against blight, insects", The Yonhap News, July 4, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/04/0401000000AEN20180704001053315.html
4 "S. Korean delegation returns after trip to Pyongyang for basketball games", The Yonhap News, July 6, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/06/0401000000AEN20180706009251315.html
5 “FM Spokesman on DPRK-U.S. High-level Talks”, KCNA, July 8, 2018, www.kcna.kp
6 "N. Korea expects Xi's visit on Sept. 9 founding anniversary: officials", The Yonhap News, July 6, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/06/0401000000AEN20180706006800315.html
7 "N. Korea slams U.S. over human rights report ahead of Pompeo's visit", The Yonhap News, July 6, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/06/0401000000AEN20180706003100315.html
8 Donald Trump, Twitter, July 9, 2018, https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1016327387154395138
9 "Trump voices hope in Kim's commitment to denuclearize", The Yonhap News, July 6, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2018/07/06/0200000000AEN20180706000900315.html
10 Donald Trump, Twitter, July 3, 2018, https://twitter.com/realdonaldtrump/status/1014105549624037377?lang=en
11 "Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo at a Business Community Reception", The State Department, July 8, 2018, https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/07/283892.htm
12 "Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, and South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha at a Press Availability", The State Department, July 8, 2018, https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/07/283888.htm
13 "Pompeo says 'progress made' on N. Korea's denuclearization", The Yonhap news, July 7, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/07/0401000000AEN20180707000358315.html
14 http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/07/0401000000AEN20180707000351315.html
15 "U.S. senator accuses China of pulling N. Korea back", The Yonhap News, July 8, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/news/2018/07/09/0200000000AEN20180709001100315.html
16 "Department Press Briefing", State Department, July 3, 2018, https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2018/07/283773.htm
17 "Cheong Wa Dae downplays U.S.-N. Korea differences over declaring war's end", The Yonhap News, July 9, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/09/0401000000AEN20180709007300315.html
18 "Seoul says U.S.-N. Korea talks mark start of denuclearization process", The Yonhap News, July 8, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/08/0401000000AEN20180708001600315.html
19 "Cheong Wa Dae says goal remains complete denuclearization of N. Korea", The Yonhap News, July, 5, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/05/0401000000AEN20180705005800315.html
20 "Washington, Pyongyang expected to seek denuclearization in sustained, condensed manner: Seoul official", The Yonhap News, July 9, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/09/0401000000AEN20180709005800315.html
21 "Hope for peace, reconciliation found through inter-Korean basketball games: Seoul official", The Yonhap News, Junly 5, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/05/0401000000AEN20180705010700315.html
22 "Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, and South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha at a Press Availability", The State Department, July 8, 2018, https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/07/283888.htm
23 "S. Korea vows stepped up efforts to accelerate Moon's Berlin peace initiative", The Yonhap News, July 6, 2018, english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2018/07/05/0401000000AEN20180705009100315.html
24 "Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying's Regular Press Conference", MOFA, PRC, July 9, 2018, www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xwfw_665399/s2510_665401/2511_665403/t1575371.shtml
25 "Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, and South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha at a Press Availability", The State Department, July 8, 2018, https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2018/07/283888.htm