N. Korea points out U.S. officials’ passivity

N. Korea points out U.S. officials’ passivity. August. 07, 2018 07:41. by In-Chan Hwang hic@donga.com.
After a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump was delivered to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the North made a mix of appreciative compliments to Mr. Trump and critical comments on U.S. State Department officials in charge of road maps for denuclearization.

According to analysis, such a two-pronged reaction to the letter has intended to maintain the U.S.-North dialogue channel with emphasis on trust in U.S. President Trump, and weaken hawkish positions toward North Korea within the U.S. administration.

On Sunday (local time), White House National Security Advisor John Bolton, a leading hawkish politician, told Fox News Sunday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un committed in his April 27 talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at Panmunjom to achieving denuclearization within a year. Kim's particular deadline mentioning regarding denuclearization was made for the first time. On the TV show, the U.S. security advisor added that no one at the White House would have unrealistically naïve expectations of the fulfillment of the North’s words.

According to VOA’s reports on Monday, the U.S. State Department stressed its position regarding the lifting of sanctions against North Korea, such as the resumption of tourism at Mt. Kumgang, saying that the sanctions would be maintained until any detailed measures for denuclearization are taken by the North.