U.S., South Korea are reportedly coordinating on North Korea talks as deadline looms
The United States is seemingly running out of time to re-establish talks with North Korea, and South Korea says Washington is "very actively" trying to make sure that doesn't happen.
A year-end deadline for the U.S. to show more flexibility in denuclearization talks with North Korea set by Pyongyang earlier this year is fast approaching. Chung Eui-yong, a South Korean national security adviser, said Sunday that Seoul is taking the date "very seriously," adding that the government was in coordination with the United States.
But, so far, after the most recent round of talks failed in October, there hasn't been much movement. "Only if talks between high-rank officials happen and lead to substantial progress, will the third North Korea-United States summit be possible," Chung told reporters, per Reuters.
North Korea acknowledged Friday that the window for talks was indeed closing. Pyongyang, however, did not elaborate on what would happen after the deadline, so it's unclear if there would be any chance of reviving talks at a later date. Of course, it's possible the deadline is mainly a negotiating tactic, though it sounds like Washington and Seoul would prefer not to wait and see. Read more at Reuters.
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