Secret US-N.Korea Peace Treaty Talks Failed Before Pyongyang’s Nuclear Test

© REUTERS / KyodoA North Korean long-range rocket is launched into the air at the Sohae rocket launch site, North Korea
A North Korean long-range rocket is launched into the air at the Sohae rocket launch site, North Korea - Sputnik International
Subscribe
The United States and North Korea held secret talks to reach a peace treaty and formally end the Korean War, which broke down and were followed by Pyongyang’s nuclear test last month, US media cited officials familiar with the events on Sunday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – After initially indicating that Washington would drop a longstanding condition for Pyongyang to take steps to curtail its nuclear arsenal, the United States called for North Korea’s nuclear program to be "simply part of the talks," according to The Wall Street Journal.

A North Korean woman walks down the streets of Pyongyang, North Korea on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 where the winter season has started - Sputnik International
North Korea to Offset US Sanctions by Exporting More Workers Abroad

Pyongyang rejected the counter-proposal, according to the outlet, ending the prospects of diplomatic peace efforts with a January 6 hydrogen bomb test.

On February 7, North Korea fired a long-range rocket to allegedly put a satellite into orbit, violating UN Security Council resolutions banning it from launches that may be used as ballistic missile carrying nuclear warheads.

"Submitting to foreign demands to denuclearize could mean delegitimization and destabilization for the regime," the paper quoted American Enterprise Institute expert on North Korea, Nicholas Eberstadt.

Soldiers hoist the flags of the members countries of the Atlantic Alliance (NATO) during the farewell ceremony at the SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) in Rocquencourt, Paris suburb, on March 31, 1967. - Sputnik International
How the US Used NATO to Turn Western Europe Into Washington's Vassals

US President Barack Obama signed into law the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act on February 18, strengthening and expanding anti-North Korea sanctions in response to the recent tests.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said he would continue to pursue the country’s nuclear weapons program.

The United States’ latest failed attempts to reach a deal with North Korea were said to be part of a string of unsuccessful efforts on the part of Washington to discuss denuclearization with Pyongyang.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала