In a significant address to the Supreme People’s Assembly, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that his nation remains open to dialogue with the United States, provided Washington ceases its “absurd obsession” with denuclearizing the country. While expressing a personal affinity for former U.S. President Donald Trump, Kim Jong Un was adamant that North Korea will never abandon its nuclear weapons to secure an end to international sanctions.
The North Korean leader’s remarks come amid diplomatic efforts by the new liberal government in Seoul, which has encouraged the Trump administration to re-engage with Pyongyang. Kim stated, “If the United States drops the absurd obsession with denuclearizing us and accepts reality, and wants genuine peaceful coexistence, there is no reason for us not to sit down with the United States.” This marks the first time since Trump’s inauguration in January that Kim has mentioned him by name, signaling a potential overture for renewed talks.
Rejection of Phased Denuclearization
While the South Korean government has proposed a phased approach to denuclearization, starting with a freeze on nuclear manufacturing, Kim Jong Un bluntly rejected such a plan. He argued that these proposals are disingenuous, as the fundamental goal of the U.S. and South Korea remains to weaken his country and destroy his regime. “The world already knows full well what the United States does after it makes a country give up its nuclear weapons and disarms,” he said, vowing that his country would “never give up our nuclear weapons.”
Kim further asserted that North Korea’s nuclear arsenal is a matter of survival, necessary to safeguard its security against what he called grave threats from the United States and South Korea. He specifically cited regular military drills by the allies, which he believes have escalated into exercises for nuclear warfare.
Sanctions and Future Dialogue
The North Korean leader characterized the international sanctions as a “learning experience” that has made his country more resilient. Despite the sanctions and arms embargoes imposed since its first nuclear test in 2006, Pyongyang has continued to advance its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung acknowledged that the previous approach of sanctions has not resolved the issue, but has worsened it. He maintained that his primary task is to create the conditions for dialogue.
Analysts suggest that Kim’s remarks may be an attempt to bypass South Korea’s involvement and directly engage with the U.S. on his own terms. Kim’s warm words for Trump stood in stark contrast to his hostile rhetoric towards South Korea, which he has designated as a main enemy.
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