The U.S. government reaffirmed its cautious stance on the message related to improving relations between North Korea and Japan by Kim Yo Jong, Deputy Director of the Workers’ Party of North Korea, on the 20th (local time).
Speaking at a briefing on the 20th, Miller addressed the implications of Japan engaging in dialogue with North Korea, following Kim’s suggestion that better ties could be forged if Japan overlooks issues concerning its abductees and denuclearization demands. Miller noted, “That would be a very big deal,” indicating the significance of such a development.
Miller stated he would await the Japanese government’s response to Kim’s proposal before making any further evaluations. Although aware of North Korea’s overture, he has not seen Japan’s official stance.
He further emphasized, “However, our policy to achieve complete denuclearization of North Korea or the entire Korean Peninsula will continue and will not change.”
When questioned about North Korea’s rationale behind the proposal, Miller deflected, suggesting that such inquiries should be directed to North Korea itself.
Earlier, Deputy Director Kim stated in a speech on the 15th, “If Japan drops its bad practice of unfairly challenging our right to legitimate defense and does not only view the already resolved abduction issue as an obstacle in the outlook of bilateral relations, there is no reason why the two countries cannot get closer, and the day may come when (Kishida) the Prime Minister can visit Pyongyang.”
Additionally, Miller refrained from commenting on the budding diplomatic relations between South Korea and Cuba, emphasizing the U.S. position that nations have the autonomy to establish and decide their diplomatic engagements and alliances.
gayunlove@news1.kr