North Korean cheerleaders have a dinner hosted by South Korea in their lodging in Inje. [Joint Press Corps ]
SEOUL, Feb. 08 (Aju News) -- North Korea on Thursday ruled out any dialogue with the United States when its high-level delegation attends the Winter Olympics, throwing cold water on efforts by South Korea to set the stage for an unforced get-together.
A high-level delegation including the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will visit South Korea purely for the successful hosting of the Winter Games and has no willingness to talk with U.S. officials, a senior foreign ministry told Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"We clearly state that we are not willing to meet with the U.S. side during our visit to South Korea," Jo Yong-sam, director-general of the foreign ministry's North American department, was quoted as saying.
The U.S. State Department has said that Washington has no plans to meet with North Korean officials on the fringe of the Olympics, but the presence of high-level delegations from Washington and Pyongyang in the Olympic venue sparked speculation about possible contact because President Moon Jae-in is set to invite foreign leaders to a reception on Friday.
The North Korean message was clear. "We have never begged for dialogue with the United States and it will be the same in the future," the foreign ministry official said, referring to what U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has said on his way to South Korea.
KCNA quoted the official as saying the North Korean delegation led by Kim Yong-nam, the ceremonial head of state, will visit South Korea to celebrate the successful hosting of the Winter Games and has no intention to use the sporting event for political purposes.
Pyongyang has stepped up a flurry of sports diplomacy to grab the international spotlight since its leader made a surprise decision to send an Olympic team, cheerleaders and an art troupe. His beloved younger sister, Kim Yo-jong, was allowed to mark her debut on the international diplomatic stage.
Over Pyongyang's unexpected peace posture, Washington has been cynical or struck a somewhat hardline tone. The U.S. vice president has said the United States "will not allow North Korean propaganda to hijack the message and imagery" of the Olympic Games.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Fox News on Tuesday that he does not think North Koreans will be gaining more from its participation in the Olympics than any other nation.
"The South Koreans have been using some training facilities in the North, so our understanding is this is on a reciprocal basis and there is no gain, there is no cash or anything being paid to the North Koreans for their participation in the Olympics," Tillerson said.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
