Sung Kim, who expressed concern over 'North Korean ballistic missiles', urged dialogue

<Anchor>

Sung Kim, the US chief nuclear representative for North Korea, called North Korea's recent missile launch a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and urged North Korea to stop provocations and respond to dialogue. He also said that he would continue to seek ways to lead North Korea to dialogue, including a declaration of an end to the war.

By Kim Hye-young, staff reporter.

<Reporter>

Yesterday (24th), US State Department Special Representative for North Korea Seong Kim stood in front of reporters right after the talks between the US and South Korea's top North Korean nuclear representatives, and expressed concern about the recent North Korean launch of a ballistic missile.

[Sung Kim / US State Department Special Representative for North Korea: (North Korea's ballistic missile launch) violated a number of UN Security Council resolutions and posed a threat to North Korea's neighbors and the international community.]

North Korea must stop provocations and engage in dialogue He urged for a response.

[Sung Kim / US State Department Special Representative for North Korea: (The United States) has made it clear that it is ready to meet with North Korea without any preconditions, and that the United States has no hostile intentions toward North Korea. We hope that North Korea will respond positively to our proposal for dialogue.]

President Sung Kim also said that he expects to continue exploring with the South Korean side for ways to lead North Korea to dialogue, including proposals for an end-of-war declaration.

Noh Gyu-deok, head of the Korean Peninsula Peace Relations Headquarters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also urged North Korea to respond, saying that anything can be discussed as long as North Korea participates in dialogue.

[Noh Gyu-deok/Director of the Korean Peninsula Peace Relations Headquarters, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: (When dialogue with North Korea resumes) We reaffirmed the common position of both countries that we can discuss all matters, including those of interest to the North. I expect the North to respond promptly.]

The two sides discussed elements that could be included in an end-of-war declaration at yesterday's meeting, but did not disclose specifics.