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North Korea

Han Tae-song- Permanent Representative UN, Geneva

May 18, 20181

“The DPRK declared in April that it will discontinue nuclear test and ICBM test-fire, and this was followed by the announcement of its plan to dismantle the test site this month in order to ensure transparency.”

“Discontinuation of nuclear test is an important process for global disarmament, and the DPRK will join international desire and efforts for total halt of nuclear test.”

“The DPRK will further make its effort to defuse the acute military tensions and substantially remove the danger of a war on the Korean peninsula.”

“The representative stressed that misleading the public opinion, arguing as if the DPRK's clarification of its intention for denuclearization of the Korean peninsula expressed through the Panmunjom Declaration is the result of so-called sanctions and pressure or talking about continued "maximum pressure" cannot be construed otherwise than a dangerous attempt to ruin the hardly-won atmosphere of dialogue and worsen the situation.”

Ri Son Gwon- Chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country (CPRC)

May 17, 20182

“The south Korean authorities launched the extremely adventurous 2018 Max Thunder joint air combat exercises aimed at precision strike on key strategic objects of the DPRK and the seizure of the air control together with the U.S.”

“In this regard the DPRK took a resolute step of postponing the north-south high-level talks indefinitely until the south Korean authorities take a responsible measure, and notified it to them and made this public through a KCNA report.”

“Clear and immutable is our stand.”

“Unless the serious situation which led to the suspension of the north-south high-level talks is settled, it will never be easy to sit face to face again with the present regime of south Korea.”

“The south Korean authorities are required to think over the present situation turning into an irrevocable worst one, not whiling away time with thoughtless moves to shift the blame on to the DPRK based on a string of lame excuses and pretexts.”

“The direction of the future north-south ties will entirely depend on the behavior of the south Korean authorities.”

Rodong Sinmun

May 17, 2018

"North and South Korea should refrain from military behaviors that threaten and provoke each other if both sides want to move towards peace and unification. Military drills plotting invasion of the North, which runs counter to the Panmunjom Declaration, will never be pardoned.”

KCNA

May 17, 2018

"Welcoming the friendship group's visit to China, Xi Jinping said that China is attaching very importance to the work to propel the traditional friendship between the two countries sealed in blood to a higher stage as required by the new era.”

"He noted with pleasure that he met Chairman Kim Jong-un two times and exchanged the comprehensive and detailed views on the matters of concern including the development of the relations between the two parties and the two countries and the regional and international situation."

Kim Kye-gwan- Vice Foreign Minister

May 16, 20183

"If the U.S. is trying to drive us into a corner to force our unilateral nuclear abandonment, we will no longer be interested in such dialogue and cannot but reconsider our proceeding to the DPRK-U.S. summit.”

"We have already stated our intention for denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and made clear on several occasions that precondition for denuclearization is to put an end to anti-DPRK hostile policy and nuclear threats and blackmail of the United States.”

"The U.S. is trumpeting as if it would offer economic compensation and benefit in case we abandon nuke. But we have never had any expectation of U.S. support in carrying out our economic construction and will not at all make such a deal in future, too."

KCNA

May 16, 20184

“The south Korean authorities, together with the U.S., have been staging the large-scale 2018 Max Thunder joint air combat drill throughout south Korea since May 11 in a bid to make a preemptive air strike at the DPRK and win the air.”

“The DPRK-targeted drill across south Korea is an undisguised challenge to the Panmunjom Declaration and a deliberate military provocation to the trend of the favorably developing situation on the Korean Peninsula.”

“The historic Panmunjom Declaration cannot be implemented by the efforts of a single party, and it can result in a good fruition only when the two parties create favorable conditions and climate by pooling their efforts.”

“We cannot but take a step of suspending the north-south high-level talks scheduled on May 16 under the awful situation that a reckless north-targeted war and confrontation racket is being kicked up in south Korea.”

“The south Korean authorities, lost to all senses, should be held wholly accountable for the scuttled north-south high-level talks and the difficulties and obstacles in the way of the north-south relations.”

“The U.S. will have to think twice about the fate of the DPRK-U.S. summit now on high agenda in light of the provocative military racket against the DPRK in league with the south Korean authorities.”

“We will closely watch the ensuing behavior of the U.S. and the south Korean authorities.” 

USA

Lindsey Graham- Senator

May 20, 20185

"He (Trump) says he's going to end this conflict within his first term that every other president has been played.”

"President Trump told me three days ago that he wants to end this in a win-win way. He thinks that's possible, but if they pull out, they play him, that we're going to end North Korea's threat to the American homeland in his first term and I'll let you surmise as to what that might look like."

"If they play Trump, if they try to nickel and dime Trump, and if they try to run out the clock on President Trump, then we're going to have a conflict and it's going to be in his first term.”

"I'm highly confident of that because there is no other place to kick the can."

"We are trying to get them to give up their nuclear weapons program, and the Korean War and make it a win-win.”

 "If they don't show up, that's the end of diplomacy. If they do show up and try to play Trump, and that means military conflict is the only thing left. And if we have a conflict with North Korea, they will lose it, not us."

"China and North Korea have a chance to end the conflict in a win-win fashion and if it doesn't end soon, it's going to be a real mess and if there's a war, it will be in China's backyard, not ours."

Donald Trump- President

May 17, 20186

“Well, nothing has changed on North Korea that we know of.  We have not been told anything.  And if it does, that’s fine.  If it doesn’t, I think we’ll probably have a very successful meeting.  But we have not been told anything.  We’re just reading stories like you are.  We’ve heard certain things from South Korea.  But we’ll see what happens.  If the meeting happens, it happens.  And if it doesn’t, we go on to the next step.”

“We’ll see what happens.  We are dealing with them now.  We may have the meeting; we may not have the meeting.  If we don’t have it, that will be very interesting.  We’ll see what happens.  The border is still quite strong.  I think things changed a little bit when they met with China.  They met the second time.  As you know, Kim Jong-un had a second meeting with China, which was a little bit of a surprise meeting.”

“But there has been a big difference since they had the second meeting with President Xi.  With that being said, my attitude is whatever happens, happens.  Either way, we’re going to be in great shape.”

“Look, you have to want to do it.  With deals — that’s what I do, is deals.  And with deals you have to have two parties that want to do it.  He absolutely wanted to do it.  Perhaps he doesn’t want to do it.  Perhaps they spoke with China — that could be right — President Xi, a friend of mine, great guy.  But he’s for China, and I’m for the United States.  And that’s the way it is, and I suspect it’s never going to change.”

“But I will say this: We are continuing to negotiate in terms of location — the location as to where to meet, how to meet, rooms, everything else.  And they’ve been negotiating like nothing happened.  But if you read the newspapers, maybe it won’t happen.  I can’t tell you yet.  I will tell you very shortly.  We’re going to know very soon.”

“Well, the Libyan model isn’t a model that we have at all, when we’re thinking of North Korea.  In Libya, we decimated that country.  That country was decimated.  There was no deal to keep Qaddafi.  The Libyan model that was mentioned was a much different deal.  This would be with Kim Jong-un — something where he’d be there, he’d be in his country, he’d be running his country.  His country would be very rich.  His people are tremendously industrious.”

“If you look at South Korea, this would be, really, a South Korean model in terms of their industry, in terms of what they do.  They’re hardworking, incredible people.”

“But the Libyan model was a much different model.  We decimated that country.  We never said to Qaddafi, “Oh, we’re going to give you protection.  We’re going give you military strength.  We’re going to give you all of these things.”  We went in and decimated him.  And we did the same thing with Iraq.”

“But the model, if you look at that model with Qaddafi, that was a total decimation.  We went in there to beat him.  Now that model would take place if we don’t make a deal, most likely.  But if we make a deal, I think Kim Jong-un is going to be very, very happy.  I really believe he’s going to be very happy.”

“But this is just the opposite.  And I think when John Bolton made that statement, he was talking about if we’re going to be having a problem because we cannot let that country have nukes.  We just can’t do it.  So that’s the way it meant.  It’s really just the opposite.  Because if you — if you look at — again, you look at Syria, that was a total decimation.”

Regarding security guarantee to North Korea, President Trump said,

“Well, I’m willing to do — we’re willing to do a lot.  And he’s willing to, I think, do a lot also.  And I think we’ll actually have a good relationship, assuming we have the meeting, and assuming something comes of it.  And he’ll get protections that would be very strong.”

“Syria had never had protections.  If you look at Syria, if you look at — or if you look anywhere around the Middle East — you look at Iraq, you look at Libya — with Libya, certainly they didn’t have protection; they had the exact opposite.  That was — that was absolute decimation.  And that’s what we planned to do, and that’s what we did.”

On US troop reduction in South Korea, President Trump said,

“Well, I’m not going to talk about that.  We’re going to say that he will have very adequate protection, and we’ll see how it all turns out.  I think this: The best thing he could ever do is to make a deal.”

“I have a feeling, however, that, for various reasons, maybe including trade, because they’ve never had this problem before — China has never had this problem with us — it could very well be that he’s influencing Kim Jong-un.  We’ll see what happens, meaning the President of China, President Xi, could be influencing Kim Jong-un.”

“But we’ll see.  That’s just — look, if you remember, a few weeks ago, all of the sudden, out of nowhere, Kim Jong-un went to China to say hello, again, a second time, to President Xi.  I think they were dedicating an aircraft carrier paid for largely by the United States.”

"That model (Libyan) will take place if we don't make a deal, most likely. But if we make a deal, I think Kim Jong-un is going to be very, very happy.”

"The best thing he could ever do is make a deal."

Sarah Sanders- Press Secretary, White House

May 17, 20187

“The President is prepared and will be ready to meet, and we’re continuing to move forward with the preparations at this point.  And if the North Koreans want to meet, we’ll be there.  And at this point, there is not a lot of change beyond that, and certainly not in our process.”

“The North Koreans have already made concessions.  They’ve already — three Americans are home now that weren’t.  The President has had some success in this process, and certainly we’ve given up nothing.  And we are going to continue moving forward, and we’re moving into this with our eyes wide open.  We’re not naïve in this process, but the President is fully prepared to have the meeting.  But if not, that’s okay too.  And we’ll see what happens beyond that.”

Dana W. White -Spokesperson, Pentagon

May 17, 20188

“There's been no talk of reducing anything (Max Thunder exercises- annual US-ROK exercise). There's been talk of changing our scope. Our scope hasn't changes, these are annual exercises. We're very transparent about them. They are defensive in nature and the scope hasn't changed.”

Heather Nauert- Spokesperson, State Department

May 15, 2018

"We will continue to plan the meeting. We have not heard anything from that government or the government of South Korea to indicate we would not continue conducting these exercises or would not continue planning for our meeting between President Trump and Kim Jong-un next month."

Raj Shah- Deputy Press Secretary, White House

May 14, 20189

“Our policy has been to pursue the complete, irreversible, and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and that’s going to be the purpose of the June 12th meeting.”

When asked about the shift in President Trump’s rhetoric to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the spokesperson said,

“I think the President’s rhetoric has reflected Kim Jong-un’s actions.  I think that Kim Jong-un has stepped forward and made pledges to halt nuclear tests, halt ICBM tests, and now has released these three prisoners.  And those are signs of good faith, and we hope to build on that.”

South Korea

Nam Gwan-pyo- Deputy Director,  National Security Office

May 18, 201810

"We expect the upcoming summit to play a role as a bridge (between the U.S. and North Korea) that will lead to the success of the North Korea-U.S. summit as it comes three weeks before the North Korea-U.S. summit."

“(Moon and Trump) are expected to discuss ways to guarantee a bright future for the North when North Korea achieves complete denuclearization."

Kang Kyung-wha- Foreign Minister

May 17, 201811

“North Korea has committed itself to complete denuclearization but "it's true that there's a difference in opinions between the North and the U.S on how to pull off denuclearization."

"Although the 'P' sounds stronger in tone (in terms of the demand for denuclearization), in fact, (the two) mean the same thing.”

U.S. officials have long talked about "CVID.” which stands for "complete, verifiable, irreversible dismantlement." Recently, Pompeo used the expression "PVID" for "permanent" denuclearization, sparking media speculation about whether the Trump administration has raised the bar for North Korea.

Statement- Office of the President

May 17, 201812

"Members of the NSC standing committee discussed future steps in regard to North Korea's decision to postpone the high-level South-North dialogue scheduled for May 16. While reaffirming their stance that the Panmunjom Declaration reached at the April 27 South-North Korea summit must be carried out without any disruption, the members agreed to continue consulting with the North side to hold the high-level talks at an early date."

"The standing committee members decided to closely coordinate the countries' positions through various channels between South Korea and the United States and the South and the North so the upcoming North Korea-U.S. summit will be held successfully under the spirit of mutual respect."

Baik Tae-hyun- Spokesperson, Unification Ministry

May 16, 201813

On May 16, 2018 North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said it has canceled the high-level talks with the South, citing the ongoing joint military drills between South Korea and the United States. It also threatened to cancel summit talks with the U.S. scheduled for June 12. In response, South Korea’s Unification Ministry said, 

"It is regrettable that the North's unilateral move to postpone the high-level inter-Korean talks, citing the annual South Korea-U.S. air drills does not conform with the spirit and purpose of the agreements reached between the leaders of the two countries.”

"The government remains strongly committed to faithfully implementing the Panmunjom Declaration and urges the North to come out for talks as soon as possible for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.” 

Moon Jae in – President

May 14, 201814 

"I highly evaluate and welcome North Korea's decision to transparently open the dismantlement of its Punggye-ri nuclear test site to the international community following its release of American captives." 

"First, it will have a special meaning as it will be an initial step in the complete denuclearization of North Korea. Second, it could be viewed positively in that North Korea is showing a great commitment to the success of the North-U.S. summit. Third, I wish to highly evaluate the move in that North Korea is sincerely taking steps to implement each and every promise Chairman Kim made to me at the South-North Korea summit."

"As the people are witnessing, preparations to successfully hold the North Korea-U.S. summit for complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula are soundly underway between the two countries. Our government too is working together.”

"It goes far beyond advantages or disadvantages in the local elections. I hope our political circles too will show politics of harmony to the people at least on this issue." 

China

Lu Kang- Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry

May 18, 201815

On  President Trump’s comment that North Korea has changed its attitude after the second Xi-Kim meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry said,

“President Trump has been saying a lot on the Korean Peninsula issue, including on the upcoming US-DPRK summit.”

“As for China's role on this issue, I believe everyone is clear about that. First, our proposal and position on the Korean Peninsula issue remain consistent. The other parties may have changed their positions in one way or another, but China's position has never changed. We are committed to realizing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and peacefully resolving the Korean Peninsula issue through political talks between all relevant parties.”

“We have been reiterating over the past few days that China is pleased with the recent momentum of dialogue and détente on the Korean Peninsula, and we encourage a continuation of this momentum. We believe that all relevant parties should seize the opportunity, meet each other halfway, and make concerted efforts to consolidate the improving situation on the Korean Peninsula and bring the issue back to the track of settlement through dialogues at an early date.”

“These statements showed that the US side takes the DPRK's security concerns seriously and would like to address these concerns. China welcomes that.”

“We have said many times that the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue is essentially a security issue. Amid efforts to promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the concerns of all parties, including the legitimate security concerns of the DPRK side, shall be addressed in a balanced way. This is also an integral part of the September 19 Joint Statement of the Fourth Round of the Six-Party Talks in 2005. We are pleased that the US chose to look at this issue squarely. This is a right attitude.”

“China maintains that the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue shall be realized in phased and synchronized steps with a package plan. Each phase brings along corresponding responsibilities and obligations for all relevant parties. This could ensure the sustainability of the political settlement process of the Korean Peninsula issue.”

“China will continue to encourage the US and the DPRK to meet each other halfway, build mutual trust, address each other's concerns through dialogues, and make joint efforts to advance the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue.” 

May 17, 201816

“You may all have noticed that the DPRK has made important efforts, including its announcement to stop nuclear and missile tests and close the Punggye-ri nuclear test site. They have demonstrated their goodwill to pursue denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and establish mutual trust with other parties as well as their sincerity to move forward the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue through talks. These efforts shall be acknowledged, encouraged, welcomed and supported by the international community and certainly deserves corresponding efforts from the other party.”

“We shall never allow the history of one party showing flexibility and the other taking an increasingly tougher stance to repeat itself.”

“To resolve the Korean Peninsula issue in a political way calls for the concerted efforts of all relevant parties. China always maintains that this political process shall be advanced through dialogues, and all parties' concerns shall be addressed in a balanced way, including the legitimate security concerns of the DPRK. Senator Paul said that he is still optimistic. We also hope that the US and the DPRK could seize the opportunity and remain committed to building mutual trust and engaging in dialogues, thus making positive contributions to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the enduing stability in the region.”

“I am certain that you have never heard us saying that we endorse the Libya model. I have made our position clear in my response to the first journalist and I can repeat it for you. China always maintains that all relevant parties should engage in dialogues to advance the political settlement of the Peninsula issue and address their concerns in a balanced way, including the legitimate security concerns of the DPRK.”

“ We believe that the concerns of all parties should be addressed in a balanced way when advancing the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue. During this process, all parties could seek out the most effective way to resume dialogue and address concerns in a synchronized way, thus contributing to resolving the issue through dialogues. China is open to any effective way that could achieve this end. “

May 16, 201817

“The current momentum for dialogue and détente on the Korean Peninsula, which does not come by easily and should be cherished by all, meets the common interests of all parties and represents the shared aspiration of the international community. When the peaceful political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue is facing important opportunities, all relevant parties, the US and the DPRK in particular, should meet each other halfway, demonstrate goodwill and sincerity to each other, jointly create enabling conditions and atmosphere for their summit, and make positive efforts for the denuclearization and enduring stability of the Korean Peninsula.”

“We have seen the announcement by the KCNA as well as some responses of the international community. I want to repeat that the current détente on the Korean Peninsula needs to be cherished by all relevant parties. The political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue is presented with important opportunities. We hope that both the ROK and the DPRK could follow the spirit of dialogue, reconciliation and cooperation embodied in the Panmunjom Declaration, fully understand and respect each other's legitimate concerns, work in the same direction, accumulate mutual trust, and improve bilateral relations, and they will have our support in these efforts. In order to sustain and consolidate the momentum of the improving situation on the Korean Peninsula, all relevant parties shall demonstrate goodwill to each other, avoid provocative actions that will trigger tension, and make concerted efforts to create enabling conditions and atmosphere for reaching a political settlement to the Korean Peninsula issue through dialogues.”

 “China's position on the Korean Peninsula issue is consistent. We maintain that all relevant parties need to take concrete actions to build mutual trust, avoid provoking each other, and endeavor to bring the Korean Peninsula issue back to the track of political settlement through dialogues, all of which will be realized when all parties meet each other halfway. That is also why China has long been advocating the "suspension for suspension" proposal. We believe this proposal will help each other build mutual trust and put in place necessary conditions to resolve the issue through dialogues.” 

Wang Yi- State Councilor and Foreign Minister

May 17, 201818

"It should be stressed that it had taken much effort to achieve a minor improvement of the situation on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea acted as an initiator of reconciliation, which fact deserves definite approval.”

"Resolution of the peninsula’s problem that has a comprehensive nature requires coordinated actions. Any divergent actions are unacceptable."

"It is necessary to prevent a situation when one party is demonstrating activity while another is only building up pressure.” 

Russia

Sergey Lavrov- Foreign Minister

May 19, 201819

"A meeting in Singapore between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-up that is planned for June 12 will have a major importance.” he said. "If the sides refrain from advancing intentionally unacceptable demands to each other and demonstrate readiness for a mutually respectful dialogue, it will give good perspectives to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

"We are convinced that the entire spectrum of regional problems, including the nuclear one, can be resolved only by political and diplomatic means.”

"In this context, we are satisfied that the negotiating process between North and South Koreas has been successfully developing in the recent months and that the Panmunjom Declaration passed after a meeting between the two leaders has committed to paper the basic principles of peaceful co-existence of the two states, their aspiration to develop relations and denuclearize the peninsula through common efforts. On our part, we will continue our assistance in the implementation of the intra-Korean agreements."

"It is obvious that the peninsula’s nuclear problem cannot be tackled in isolation from other challenges to regional security or to the prejudice of interests of either of the sides.”

"The previous experience and history of mistakes demonstrate it only too well."

"Apart from that, in the light of the current situation around the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on the Iranian nuclear program), an unprecedented mechanism of mutual guarantees will be needed and such a mechanism can be developed only through consolidated efforts of all countries of the region.”

Maria Zakharova – Spokesperson, Foreign Ministry

May 16, 201820

“We note a trend towards decreasing tension around the Korean Peninsula. We welcome the decision to hold the ceremony of dismantling a North Korean nuclear test site, which will be attended by journalists from Russia and a number of other countries, and an agreement to hold a meeting between US President Donald Trump and DPRK leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore on July 12.”

“We hope that these events will be successful and will reinforce the positive dynamics of settling the problems in the sub-region. We firmly believe that their long-tern and mutually acceptable solution is only possible through multilateral consultations on establishing a reliable mechanism of peace and security on the Korean Peninsula. We are working with all of our partners in order to launch such talks.” 

Japan