[KCNA / Yonhap Photo]
SEOUL -- North Korea expressed regret at U.S. President Donald Trump's abrupt decision to cancel a historic summit next month in Singapore between the leaders of the two countries but the nuclear-armed country left open the door for dialogue any time.
North Korea feels "very sorry" at Trump's unexpected decision that shows the seriousness of animosity between the two countries and underlines the urgent need of a summit between their leaders, Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwan said in a statement published by Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"We express our willingness to sit down face-to-face with the U.S. and resolve issues anytime and in any format," the official said, adding North Korea's goal and willingness to do everything for peace and stability of the Korean peninsula and mankind remain "unchanged."
North Korea is always willing to give time and opportunity to the U.S. with "big and open" minds, he said, suggesting the two countries should take "gradual" steps to improve relations because they cannot solve problems at their first meeting.
Using an understatement, the North's vice minister blamed what he called careless remarks by American officials and their one-sided demands for destroying the atmosphere for the summit in Singapore.
Trump said he informed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un of the canceled summit in a letter, which was unveiled just hours after North Korea shut down its nuclear test site in an event watched by invited international journalists. "Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting," he said.
"Please let this letter serve to represent that the Singapore summit, for the good of both parties, but to the detriment of the world, will not take place," Trump wrote. "You talk about your nuclear capabilities, but ours are so massive and powerful that I pray to God they will never have to be used."
At a bill signing ceremony in the White House, Trump warned North Korea against "foolish or reckless" acts, saying Washington would never compromise its safety and security. "Our military, which is by far the most powerful anywhere in the world, that has been greatly enhanced recently, as you all know, is ready if necessary."
Trump did not completely give up hope, saying he is waiting. "In the meantime, our very strong sanctions, by far the strongest sanctions ever imposed, and maximum pressure campaign will continue as it has been continuing." Trump said, adding he believes Kim Jong-un wants to do "what's right," he said.
"I felt a wonderful dialogue was building up between you and me, and ultimately, it is only that dialogue that matters," Trump said. "Someday, I look very much forward to meeting you."
The planned summit in Singapore followed a series of conciliatory steps by North Korea that began with the dispatch of a sports delegation to this year's Winter Olympics in South Korea. To foster a peaceful mood, North Korea has suspended ballistic missile and nuclear tests. However, Pyongyang started taking a strong stand last week, calling off high-level inter-Korean talks.
In Seoul, South Korean President Moon Jae-in urged Trump and Kim Jong-un to directly talk to each other. "I am very perplexed and it is very regrettable that the North Korea-U.S. summit will not be held on June 12," Moon said in an emergency meeting with aides.
"Denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and the establishment of permanent peace are historic tasks that can neither be abandoned nor delayed," Moon said, adding the current method of communication cannot solve sensitive and difficult issues. "I hope they will resolve such issues through more direct and close dialogue between their leaders."
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
