SEOUL, South Korea (Reuters) — South Korea’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday (November 21) the United States’ decision to put North Korea back on a list of state sponsors of terrorism is expected to contribute to the peaceful denuclearization of the North.
The announcement will not change the joint stance of South Korea and the U.S. in trying to bring North Korea to the dialogue table, the ministry’s spokesman said during a regular news briefing.
“The government believes the action taken by the U.S. is a part of the international community’s efforts to denuclearise North Korea through strong pressure and sections and believe this will be helpful in resolving the North Korean nuclear issues peacefully,” he said.
The designation, announced on Monday (November 20), allows the U.S. to impose more sanctions on Pyongyang, which is pursuing nuclear weapons and missile programmes in defiance of U.N. Security Council sanctions.
North Korea was put on the U.S. terrorism sponsor list for the 1987 bombing of a Korean Air flight that killed all 115 people aboard. But the administration of former President George W. Bush removed Pyongyang in 2008 in exchange for progress in denuclearization talks.
“Regardless of North Korea’s listing as terror sponsor, there is no change in both South Korea and the U.S.’s will to bring North Korea to the negotiating table through peaceful means. The two countries will continue close cooperation in all levels,” he added.
