통일부 고위당국자 “북핵 우선 중단해야…자동차 멈춰야 후진도 가능”

The top officials of the unification ministry in South Korea have expressed concern that the US Trump administration's approach to North Korea may exclude the Korean peninsula from discussions, or fail to address the issue of denuclearization. On the 21st, the officials made it clear that the most realistic option is for North Korea to halt its nuclear program first, before moving on to reductions and eventual denuclearization.

They emphasized that the ultimate goal of any talks should be a "nuclear-free Korean peninsula." However, they stressed that realistically, this would require a step-by-step approach, beginning with the complete cessation of the North's nuclear program, followed by gradual reductions. The officials also pointed out that a peace framework should include discussions on conventional military capabilities and nuclear power, not just the nuclear issue alone.

They further emphasized the importance of communicating with the US and other nations to create a framework that combines both nuclear issues and peace. Regarding the potential for the US to label North Korea as a nuclear-armed state, the officials ruled out such a designation, stating that the ultimate goal is the eventual denuclearization of North Korea.

They also criticized any attempts to discredit or misrepresent the peaceful coexistence and peace framework, insisting that such actions would be unacceptable. The unification ministry expressed its commitment to continue pursuing the one-f Korea peace coexistence policy, even in difficult circumstances, and urged both North and South Korea to join in transitioning from an unstable denuclearization framework to a peaceful framework.