US "softens tone" after information that it will consider "interim steps" with North Korea

On March 5, a spokesman for the US National Security Council (NSC) said that the country is seeking dialogue with Pyongyang, including minimizing the risk of unexpected conflict on the Korean peninsula.

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The US wants to hold meaningful discussions with North Korea while maintaining its stance on complete denuclearization. (Source: Getty Images)

In an interview with Yonhap news agency, the spokesman emphasized: "Our stance on complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula remains unchanged."

“While working toward this goal, we look forward to having a number of valuable discussions with North Korea, including on reducing the risk of accidental military conflict,” the official added.

Washington also encouraged Pyongyang to return to "substantive discussions to identify ways to manage military risks and create lasting peace " on the peninsula.

The announcement was made after Mira Rapp-Hooper, senior director of the NSC for East Asia and Oceania, announced on March 4 that the US would consider "interim steps" on the path towards denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

The statement has fueled speculation about a possible change in Washington’s policy. In terms of negotiations with Pyongyang, “interim steps” typically refer to measures such as North Korea halting its nuclear weapons development in exchange for sanctions relief, or other measures aimed at encouraging the Northeast Asian nation’s denuclearization efforts.

For its part, the South Korean Foreign Ministry stressed that complete denuclearization is the "common goal" of the government of this country and the US.

Speaking at a press conference, ministry spokesman Lim Soo Suk said the US official's comments about "interim steps" were aimed at the same purpose as Seoul's "bold initiative".

In August 2022, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced a "bold initiative" to help North Korea improve its economy in exchange for denuclearization steps.

“If North Korea is willing to completely dismantle its nuclear program, of course these measures will be implemented step by step,” Mr. Lim Soo Suk emphasized.

The statements were made as the US and South Korea began a large-scale joint military exercise on March 4, but North Korea warned that Washington and Seoul would have to "pay a heavy price".

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