04-21-2018, 02:14 PM
Ahead of historic summits with South Korea and the United States and following a secret meeting with soon-to-be U.S. Secretary of State Pompeo.......North Korea announced yesterday that it is halting nuclear and missile tests.
Leader Kim Jong-un said further tests were not needed, as the North had already demonstrated it had nuclear weapons (it launched more tests last year than previous years combined).
Early on Saturday Kim Jong-un said: "From 21 April, North Korea will stop nuclear tests and launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles."
The surprise announcement, relayed by the country's KCNA news agency, also said a test site would be shut down.
Welcoming it on Twitter, President Trump said it was 'progress' and that he was looking forward to a face-to-face meeting with Mr Kim in June. South Korean President Moon echoed the sentiment. EU leaders said it was a good sign, but verification is essential and irreversible North Korean denuclearization (not just test halts) is the goal.
China, North Korea's main backer, said it believed the move would "help ameliorate the situation on the peninsula".
Russia's foreign ministry also welcomed it, but called on the US and South Korea to reduce their military activity in the region.
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Leader Kim Jong-un said further tests were not needed, as the North had already demonstrated it had nuclear weapons (it launched more tests last year than previous years combined).
Early on Saturday Kim Jong-un said: "From 21 April, North Korea will stop nuclear tests and launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles."
The surprise announcement, relayed by the country's KCNA news agency, also said a test site would be shut down.
Welcoming it on Twitter, President Trump said it was 'progress' and that he was looking forward to a face-to-face meeting with Mr Kim in June. South Korean President Moon echoed the sentiment. EU leaders said it was a good sign, but verification is essential and irreversible North Korean denuclearization (not just test halts) is the goal.
China, North Korea's main backer, said it believed the move would "help ameliorate the situation on the peninsula".
Russia's foreign ministry also welcomed it, but called on the US and South Korea to reduce their military activity in the region.
(continued)