Pyongyang rejects resumption of dialogue with Washington

Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of leader Kim Jong-un, a close advisor and spokesperson for her brother, proclaimed on Tuesday June 22 that the United States had a “Misinterpretation” statements by the latter at the recent plenary meeting of the members of the central committee. Kim Jong-un announced on June 17 that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) should “Prepare for dialogue as well as for confrontation with the United States”.

Pyongyang tune-up comes as US special envoy on North Korean dossier Sung Kim assured Seoul he was ready “To meet anywhere, anytime and without preconditions” North Korean representatives. Sung Kim previously held these positions from 2014 to 2016.

Kim Jo-yong’s rebuff, confirming his role as spokesperson, was broadcast by the official KNCA news agency. It is primarily addressed to US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan who considered Kim Jong-un’s statements to be a “Interesting signal”, whose “We had to see if it would be followed by some form of communication.”

Article reserved for our subscribers Read also Kim Yo-jong, sister of Kim Jong-un and aggressive “communicator” of North Korea

The ambiguous formulation of the North Korean supreme leader was interpreted a little quickly by the media as an evolution of the North Korean position: Kim Jong-un simply qualified his statements of rejection of talks with Washington the day after the election of the new president. American, Joe Biden, this time leaving a door ajar. But he didn’t go any further.

Article reserved for our subscribers Read also Kim Jong-un tests Joe Biden by launching two North Korean missiles

Kim Jo-yong’s bitter message, on the other hand, is clear: the DPRK is not ready to resume dialogue for dialogue with the United States without a gesture on their part. Pyongyang believes that Washington is pursuing a hostile policy towards it. Joint US and South Korean military maneuvers are due to take place in August. In Seoul, Sung Kim further urged members of the United Nations Security Council “To strictly apply the resolutions against Pyongyang in order to face the threat that the DPRK represents for the international community”.

Food crisis

These measures are strangling a country closed in on itself due to the Covid-19 pandemic which is worsening the food situation of the population. Kim Jong-un admitted that she was “Tense” during the plenary meeting of the central committee. Official recognition which means that the situation is really worrying.

You have 34.99% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.