South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for direct talks with North Korea aimed at formally ending the Korean War and establishing a permanent peace regime on the peninsula.
Speaking on Saturday during a ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Lee urged Pyongyang to move away from confrontation and return to dialogue.
“Let us put down our intentions to threaten each other and begin discussions to end the long-running war as the directly involved parties,” Lee said.
The 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, meaning North and South Korea technically remain at war.
Lee said negotiations could also address “effective ways” to halt further advances in North Korea’s nuclear capabilities as part of efforts to reduce tensions.
North Korea has not publicly responded to Lee’s latest proposal. State media made no mention of his address as of Sunday, instead focusing on its own Liberation Day commemorations.
North Korea has remained hostile to President Lee Jae Myung's overtures despite his efforts to ease tensions, including suspending anti-Pyongyang loudspeaker broadcasts and taking steps to curb the launch of propaganda leaflets by activists.
Pyongyang has said it has no interest in Seoul's proposals or in resuming dialogue, and accused Lee of continuing a confrontational policy by maintaining close ties with the United States.
Relations between the two Koreas remain deeply strained. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has abandoned Pyongyang’s longstanding policy of pursuing reunification with the South and has characterised Seoul as a hostile state.
Lee, who took office last year, has pursued a more conciliatory approach, pledging not to seek unification by absorption and to respect North Korea’s political system while working towards peaceful coexistence.
Lee's latest appeal comes amid renewed military tensions. North Korea has carried out two ballistic missile launches this month and recently vowed to strengthen its nuclear deterrent.
Pyongyang has also condemned annual U.S.-South Korean Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which begin on Monday, describing them as a provocation.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday instructed the Pentagon to "substantially reduce" 10-day joint military exercises with South Korea as they were about to get underway, citing the cost of the drills and Seoul's refusal to take part in actions against Iran.
Read more:
For centuries, Lahore has been shaped by the people, cultures and empires that passed through it. Now, the Pakistani city is preparing to put that ...
A U.S. campaign to throttle Iran...
The resolution, sponsored by African countries and led by Togo, passed by 164 votes to one, with six abstention...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August and 2 September.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 3rd of September, covering the latest developments.
The Iranian Army has again struck at U.S. bases in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates in retaliation for U.S. attacks on southern and western parts of Iran late on Tuesday, which reportedly killed 18 people and injured more than 100 others.
The resolution, sponsored by African countries and led by Togo, passed by 164 votes to one, with six abstentions. The United States was the only country to vote against it.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
Southern Chinese provinces were bracing for more torrential rain on Friday after Typhoon Saudel triggered severe flooding, swamping vehicles, collapsing at least one building and forcing mass evacuations.
President Donald Trump is leaving more than a paper trail from his time in office. The U.S. is now minting commemorative $1 coins for America’s 250th anniversary, featuring a portrait of the sitting president.
Pacific Island leaders expressed concern about China's Pacific missile test at their annual summit, though Nauru formally dissented, in a meeting largely overshadowed by Beijing's objections to Taiwan's presence.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment