North Korea to shut down nuclear test site, allow observers
- 6 years ago
North Korea has told South Korea's presidential office that it's nuclear test site will be shut down in May, and to show it's serious,... the regime will even invite experts and journalists to witness it happen.
Kim Hyesung reports.
The presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae announced Sunday that North Korea has agreed to shut down its nuclear test site and allow an inspection next month.
"North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said during the inter-Korean summit that he would close the nuclear test site located in the northern part of the North(Punggye-ri) in May. To reveal this transparently to the international community, the North said it will invite experts and journalists from South Korea and the U.S."
The press secretary said Kim played down speculation that North Korea was closing down the Punggye-ri test site because it is not functioning, saying it is, in fact, still in good condition.
He added that President Moon welcomed the proposal, and that the two leaders agreed to discuss details of the shutdown as soon as preparations are made.
The North Korean leader also reportedly said that when he sits down with President Trump, the U.S. leader will learn that he is not someone who would target the South, the Pacific or the United States with nuclear weapons, adding that Pyongyang would not need nuclear weapons once trust is built with Washington and the U.S. promises nonaggression and an end to the Korean War.
According to the Blue House, North Korea has pledged to stop the use of military force, and said no more blood will be shed on the Korean Peninsula.
Kim Hyesung, Arirang News.
Kim Hyesung reports.
The presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae announced Sunday that North Korea has agreed to shut down its nuclear test site and allow an inspection next month.
"North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said during the inter-Korean summit that he would close the nuclear test site located in the northern part of the North(Punggye-ri) in May. To reveal this transparently to the international community, the North said it will invite experts and journalists from South Korea and the U.S."
The press secretary said Kim played down speculation that North Korea was closing down the Punggye-ri test site because it is not functioning, saying it is, in fact, still in good condition.
He added that President Moon welcomed the proposal, and that the two leaders agreed to discuss details of the shutdown as soon as preparations are made.
The North Korean leader also reportedly said that when he sits down with President Trump, the U.S. leader will learn that he is not someone who would target the South, the Pacific or the United States with nuclear weapons, adding that Pyongyang would not need nuclear weapons once trust is built with Washington and the U.S. promises nonaggression and an end to the Korean War.
According to the Blue House, North Korea has pledged to stop the use of military force, and said no more blood will be shed on the Korean Peninsula.
Kim Hyesung, Arirang News.