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US State Department reaffirmed its support for President Yoon Seok-yeol's 'bold initiative'.

However, he said that sanctions would continue without a fundamental change in North Korea's attitude, indicating that it would be difficult to ease sanctions against North Korea at the beginning of the dialogue.

He also emphasized that he will be held responsible for the continued North Korean provocations.



Correspondent Seungmo Nam from Washington.



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The US State Department briefing held yesterday (17th) after North Korea fired two cruise missiles.



When asked about the missile launch, he declined to comment directly, saying that it is difficult to predict North Korea's motives right now.



However, he pointed out that North Korea's provocations that have continued for years, such as the launch of ICBMs and the development of related technologies, are threatening peace in the region.



He also emphasized that he would pursue dialogue with North Korea, but that he would be held accountable for any provocations the North carried out.

[Ned Price / US State Department Spokesperson



: We will make sure North Korea is held accountable for the continued provocations along with pursuing negotiations (with North Korea).]



I said I would do it.



Regarding the so-called 'bold initiative', the so-called 'bold initiative', which President Yoon Seok-yeol repeatedly announced at a press conference on the 100th day of his inauguration yesterday, he reaffirmed that he supports President Yoon's North Korea policy to open the door for dialogue.



However, it was clear that sanctions would not be lifted unless North Korea showed a fundamental change in its attitude on the issue of denuclearization.



[Ned Price / U.S. State Department Spokesperson: We will continue to maintain these sanctions until North Korea changes its fundamental position (on the issue of denuclearization).]



The U.S. State Department remarks are in favor of President Yoon's idea of ​​providing aid to North Korea from the beginning of the dialogue, but It is interpreted as expressing the meaning that sanctions should not be eased from the initial stage before the change in North Korea's attitude.