Lee calls for U.S. to ease sanctions against N. Korea in return for halting nuke program: report

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has urged the United States to relax sanctions on North Korea in exchange for Pyongyang suspending its nuclear weapons development, according to a U.S. news report. Lee maintains that a trade-off between sanctions and a halt to nuclear weapons development could be beneficial, despite acknowledging it may be an unpalatable option.

This call follows North Korea's continued lack of response to peace talks from the South Korean leader and U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as North Korea's growing diplomatic ties with Russia and expansion of its nuclear arsenal. Lee has proposed a step-by-step approach to denuclearization, starting with the cessation and reduction of North Korea's nuclear weapons program, ultimately aiming for complete elimination.

He also emphasized that both South Korea and the U.S. are willing to engage in dialogue with North Korea without preconditions. Lee expressed confidence in his ability to facilitate dialogue between the U.S. and North Korea, while also seeking to mend strained inter-Korean relations. During his recent appearance at the United Nations General Assembly, Lee reiterated his vision for a phased denuclearization of North Korea, which he deemed a practical means of resolving the North Korean nuclear issue.