Tillerson rules out diplomatic backroom deal with Pyongyang

By Park Sae-jin Posted : May 19, 2017, 13:00 Updated : May 19, 2017, 13:00

[AP/Yonhap News Photo]


US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson ruled out any diplomatic backroom deal with North Korea, saying Washington will take action only if Pyongyang suspends nuclear and missile tests, according to a South Korean presidential envoy.

Tillerson said Washington wants Pyongyang to trust its promise of no hostility and conduct no more nuclear or missile tests before Washington can consider opening talks with the communist nation, Yonhap News Agency said.

The remarks were made in a meeting with South Korea's special presidential envoy Hong Seok-hyun in Washington, it said.

"The most impressive thing that I heard was that sanctions and pressure are not by themselves aimed at harassing North Korea, but are designed to create an opportunity for North Korea's development through opening its doors and scrapping its nuclear program," Hong said.

Tillerson was quoted as saying he hopes the North will trust the US despite what it considers the burden of risks involved in doing so. He also said there are many companies willing to invest in North Korea and if the North makes the right choice, it will be good for its development, Yonhap said.

A member of Hong's delegation quoted Tillerson as saying that the US meant it when it said it seeks no regime change, no invasion of the North and it will guarantee the North's system, it said.

Tillerson also said that the US sends its messages only through public channels and the North shouldn't inquire about US intentions "through back channels", Yonhap said.

Should the North want talks with the US, Tillerson said that Pyongyang should refrain from conducting nuclear or missile tests for a certain period of time so as to create the right atmosphere for talks, the official was quoted as saying.

Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com

 
기사 이미지 확대 보기
닫기