'Complete denuclearization' remains unchanged over controversy over changes in US policy toward North Korea

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Yesterday (28th), a high-ranking U.S. official said that he could negotiate disarmament with North Korea, sparking controversy over whether the Biden administration's policy toward North Korea had changed. I did.

Correspondent Kim Jong-won of New York.

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U.S. State Department reiterated today that the U.S. policy toward North Korea remains unchanged and that the goal of complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is the goal.

[Ned Price / US State Department Spokesperson: The US policy toward North Korea is still the same as the 'complete denuclearization' of the Korean Peninsula.

We will continue to pursue a diplomatic solution.]

Earlier yesterday, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Disarmament and International Security Jenkins said that he could negotiate disarmament with North Korea, sparking controversy over whether the Biden administration's North Korea policy had changed.

[Bonnie Jenkins/U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Disarmament and International Security: If Chairman Kim gets a call from the United States and wants to discuss disarmament issues, we will say 'OK'.

If you want to discuss disarmament, let's talk about it.]

Recently, some in the US have been arguing that North Korea should be recognized as a nuclear power, North Korea should reduce its nuclear weapons, and the US should engage in disarmament negotiations to reduce its military posture.

For this reason, it is analyzed that the State Department briefing today reaffirmed that the US goal is the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon made a statement regarding the nuclear readiness report, which said that a nuclear attack by North Korea would bring the regime to an end.

[Sabrina Singh/Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of Defense: (The reason we published a report like that yesterday) is because we believe that nuclear weapons should never be used.

Yesterday's report also aimed to deter the use of nuclear weapons by other countries as well as North Korea.]

The Ministry of National Defense also said yesterday that North Korea's missile launch is undermining regional stability and will continue to closely consult with allies such as South Korea and Japan. .