North Korea's foreign ministry slammed the United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres' recent remarks on his support for the nation's total denuclearisation. The North claims that the remarks lacked "objectivity" and "fairness".

United Nations chief&nbsp;Guterres on Friday while&nbsp;in a meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said&nbsp;that he fully supports efforts to completely denuclearise North Korea.

"I would like to reaffirm our clear commitment to the full, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, of the DPRK."

Watch |&nbsp;Kim Jong Un visits war cemetery, says ready to mobilize nuclear war deterrent

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-visits-war-cemetery-says-ready-to-mobilize-nuclear-war-deterrent-501424/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Guterres' remarks came as authorities in Washington and Seoul repeatedly warn that the North is planning its seventh nuclear test in light of a record number of missile tests by the nation.

As per a report by North Korea's state news agency KCNA, vice-minister for international organisations in Pyongyang's foreign ministry, Kim Son Gyong, in a statement said, "I cannot but express deep regret over the said remarks of the UN secretary-general that grossly lack impartiality and fairness and go against the obligations of his duty, specified in the UN Charter, as regards the issue of the Korean peninsula."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-ready-for-clash-with-the-united-states-kim-jong-un-501317">North Korea ready to use nukes against the United States: Kim Jong Un</a>

Cautioning&nbsp;the UN secretary-general Kim said he should not request or accept orders from a specific country's government and should refrain from doing anything that could jeopardise his position as an international official who is solely accountable to the United Nations.

As per an AFP report, the foreign ministry official&nbsp;called the North's "complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation" (CVID) an "infringement" of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) sovereignty.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-kim-jong-un-declares-gravest-national-emergency-485133">North Korea: Kim Jong-Un declares 'Gravest national emergency'</a>

Kim remarked that Guterres should exercise caution while saying "dangerous words" under the highly tense situation on the Korean peninsula, adding that CVID "demands the unilateral disarmament, and Secretary-General Guterres perhaps knows well that the DPRK has totally rejected it without any toleration."

Pyongyang has undertaken a record-breaking flurry of weapons tests this year, including the first full-range intercontinental ballistic missile test since 2017.

Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had stated that his country was "ready to mobilise" its nuclear deterrent in the event of a future armed clash with the US and South Korea.

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea's foreign ministry slammed the United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres' recent remarks on his support for the nation's total denuclearisation.

North Korea's foreign ministry slammed the United Nations secretary-general Antonio Guterres' recent remarks on his support for the nation's total denuclearisation. The North claims that the remarks lacked "objectivity" and "fairness". United Nations chief Guterres on Friday while in a meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said that he fully supports efforts to completely denuclearise North Korea. "I would like to reaffirm our clear commitment to the full, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, of the DPRK." Watch | Kim Jong Un visits war cemetery, says ready to mobilize nuclear war deterrent Guterres' remarks came as authorities in Washington and Seoul repeatedly warn that the North is planning its seventh nuclear test in light of a record number of missile tests by the nation. As per a report by North Korea's state news agency KCNA, vice-minister for international organisations in Pyongyang's foreign ministry, Kim Son Gyong, in a statement said, "I cannot but express deep regret over the said remarks of the UN secretary-general that grossly lack impartiality and fairness and go against the obligations of his duty, specified in the UN Charter, as regards the issue of the Korean peninsula." Also read | North Korea ready to use nukes against the United States: Kim Jong Un Cautioning the UN secretary-general Kim said he should not request or accept orders from a specific country's government and should refrain from doing anything that could jeopardise his position as an international official who is solely accountable to the United Nations. As per an AFP report, the foreign ministry official called the North's "complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation" (CVID) an "infringement" of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) sovereignty. Also read | North Korea: Kim Jong-Un declares 'Gravest national emergency' Kim remarked that Guterres should exercise caution while saying "dangerous words" under the highly tense situation on the Korean peninsula, adding that CVID "demands the unilateral disarmament, and Secretary-General Guterres perhaps knows well that the DPRK has totally rejected it without any toleration." Pyongyang has undertaken a record-breaking flurry of weapons tests this year, including the first full-range intercontinental ballistic missile test since 2017. Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had stated that his country was "ready to mobilise" its nuclear deterrent in the event of a future armed clash with the US and South Korea. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea slams UN chief over 'biased' support for its denuclearisation

After the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, said he was ready for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-must-prepare-for-dialogue-and-confrontation-with-the-us-kim-jong-un-392280">"dialogue and confrontation"</a>, the White House believes it is an "interesting signal".

"His comments this week we regard as an interesting signal and we will wait to see whether they are followed up with any kind of more direct communication to us about a potential path forward," US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told a local media house.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kim-jong-uns-weight-loss-sparks-speculations-392493">WATCH |</a>

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Kim Jong Un’s communication comes as the US President Joe Biden said that his government is ready to carry out principled negotiations with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un to discuss the challenges regarding North Korea’s nuclear "program towards the ultimate objective of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Sullivan said.

This is the first time Kin Jong Un has asked his government to prepare for "both dialogue and confrontation" with the US since Joe Biden took over the White House.

However, the White House is still waiting for direct communication from North Korea to officially and formally begin discussions about the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

After the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, said he was ready for "dialogue and confrontation", the White House believes it is an "interesting signal". "His comments this week we regard as an interesting signal and we will wait to see whether they are followed up with any kind of more direct communication to us about a potential path forward," US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told a local media house.

After the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, said he was ready for "dialogue and confrontation", the White House believes it is an "interesting signal". "His comments this week we regard as an interesting signal and we will wait to see whether they are followed up with any kind of more direct communication to us about a potential path forward," US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told a local media house. WATCH | Kim Jong Un’s communication comes as the US President Joe Biden said that his government is ready to carry out principled negotiations with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un to discuss the challenges regarding North Korea’s nuclear "program towards the ultimate objective of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Sullivan said. This is the first time Kin Jong Un has asked his government to prepare for "both dialogue and confrontation" with the US since Joe Biden took over the White House. However, the White House is still waiting for direct communication from North Korea to officially and formally begin discussions about the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

'Interesting signal' from North Korea's Kim Jong Un, says White House

South Korea and the US have come together to urge North Korea to implement the&nbsp;disarmament pledges it made in past talks. The two countries are aiming at a complete denuclearisation from North Korea's side.

A joint statement was issued by South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and US Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper in which they stated that the two countries will continue diplomatic talks till North Korea denuclearises.

The statement came a day after North Korea blindsided everyone and announced a suspension of the plan that would have nullified 2018 tension-reduction deals and further raised animosities on the Korean Peninsula.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-suspends-planned-military-moves-against-south-korea-308255">Also watch:&nbsp;Kim Jong Un suspends planned military moves against South Korea</a>

The defense chiefs, in the statement,&nbsp;said they "remain firmly committed to defending the hard-fought peace on the Korean Peninsula, to include supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts for the complete denuclearisation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

The chiefs have also asked North Korea to keep in mind the&nbsp;US-North Korea summit talks in Singapore in June 2018 and inter-Korean talks in September 2018, while making any further decisions, in which Kim Jong Un had stated that his country&nbsp;"commits to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

The concerns regarding this started to rise after North Korea, last week, cut all its communication with South Korea after blowing up the South Korea-North Korea liaison office, and resumed its military drills near the border, and propaganda fliers were spotted towards South.

In recent weeks, North Korea has also threatened to take steps to nullity the 2018 deals meant to ease tensions at the border. Experts say North Korea is trying to pressure Seoul and Washington over the stalled nuclear diplomacy.&nbsp;

Kim Jong Un is yet to respond.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea and the US have come together to urge North Korea to implement the disarmament pledges it made in past talks. The two countries are aiming at a complete denuclearisation from North Korea's side.

South Korea and the US have come together to urge North Korea to implement the disarmament pledges it made in past talks. The two countries are aiming at a complete denuclearisation from North Korea's side. A joint statement was issued by South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and US Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper in which they stated that the two countries will continue diplomatic talks till North Korea denuclearises. The statement came a day after North Korea blindsided everyone and announced a suspension of the plan that would have nullified 2018 tension-reduction deals and further raised animosities on the Korean Peninsula. Also watch: Kim Jong Un suspends planned military moves against South Korea The defense chiefs, in the statement, said they "remain firmly committed to defending the hard-fought peace on the Korean Peninsula, to include supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts for the complete denuclearisation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea." The chiefs have also asked North Korea to keep in mind the US-North Korea summit talks in Singapore in June 2018 and inter-Korean talks in September 2018, while making any further decisions, in which Kim Jong Un had stated that his country "commits to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." The concerns regarding this started to rise after North Korea, last week, cut all its communication with South Korea after blowing up the South Korea-North Korea liaison office, and resumed its military drills near the border, and propaganda fliers were spotted towards South. In recent weeks, North Korea has also threatened to take steps to nullity the 2018 deals meant to ease tensions at the border. Experts say North Korea is trying to pressure Seoul and Washington over the stalled nuclear diplomacy. Kim Jong Un is yet to respond. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea and US ask North Korea to implement pre-planned denuclearisation plans

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure safety and warned of "grave economic conditions" during a meeting with officials even as the year-end deadline for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-promises-action-on-any-north-korea-missile-test-white-house-270890">denuclearisation neared</a> on Monday.

The meeting attended by top <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-holds-top-party-meeting-ahead-of-us-deadline-270787">North Korean officials</a> is taking place as the country battles international isolation over its nuclear programme.

Kim called for "decisive turn" in North Korea's economy, the state-media reported.

The high profile plenary session comes even as North Korea-US talks on denuclearisation talks remain stalled.

North Korea had earlier warned of a Christmas gift” for the United States referring to a possible missile test. US President hit back saying the United States would "deal with it very successfully."

"We'll find out what the surprise is and we'll deal with it very successfully," Trump said, adding,"We'll see what happens." Trump even suggested that it could be "nice present".&nbsp;

"Maybe it's a present where he sends me a beautiful vase as opposed to a missile test," the US president joked.

Meanwhile, North Korea's main ally China and Russia suggested to the UNSC to drop a few sanctions but it has met with a cold US response.

The White House said on Sunday said it would consider "other tools" beyond talks and diplomacy if North Korea went ahead with its missile tests.

White House national security advisor Robert O'Brien speaking to a US channel said that "additional pressure can be brought to bear on North Korea" through "tools in our toolkit" while terming North Korea's nuclear programme as "most difficult challenge in the world" of the Trump administration.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure safety and warned of "grave economic conditions" during a meeting with officials even as the year-end deadline for denuclearisation neared on Monday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for "positive and offensive measures" to ensure safety and warned of "grave economic conditions" during a meeting with officials even as the year-end deadline for denuclearisation neared on Monday. The meeting attended by top North Korean officials is taking place as the country battles international isolation over its nuclear programme. Kim called for "decisive turn" in North Korea's economy, the state-media reported. The high profile plenary session comes even as North Korea-US talks on denuclearisation talks remain stalled. North Korea had earlier warned of a Christmas gift” for the United States referring to a possible missile test. US President hit back saying the United States would "deal with it very successfully." "We'll find out what the surprise is and we'll deal with it very successfully," Trump said, adding,"We'll see what happens." Trump even suggested that it could be "nice present". "Maybe it's a present where he sends me a beautiful vase as opposed to a missile test," the US president joked. Meanwhile, North Korea's main ally China and Russia suggested to the UNSC to drop a few sanctions but it has met with a cold US response. The White House said on Sunday said it would consider "other tools" beyond talks and diplomacy if North Korea went ahead with its missile tests. White House national security advisor Robert O'Brien speaking to a US channel said that "additional pressure can be brought to bear on North Korea" through "tools in our toolkit" while terming North Korea's nuclear programme as "most difficult challenge in the world" of the Trump administration.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un calls for 'positive, offensive measures' to ensure safety

US President Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un opened the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-hails-north-koreas-awesome-potential-ahead-of-talks-with-kim-200047"> second summit </a>in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Wednesday.

Kim and Trump shook hands and smiled briefly in front of a row of their countries' flags at the Metropole hotel in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi.

Trump told reporters he thought the talks would be very successful, and asked if he was "walking back" on denuclearisation, said "no".

"I am certain that an outcome will be achieved this time that will be welcomed by all people," Kim told Trump. "I will do my best to make that happen."

Trump had earlier met Kim in Singapore in June last year as the North Korean leader promised to denuclearise the Korean Peninsula, however, no real progress was reported leading several experts to claim that North Korea a was stalling.

In the run-up to this <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/whats-at-stake-at-the-hanoi-summit-between-trump-and-kim-200065">summit</a>, Trump has indicated a more flexible stance, saying he was in no rush to secure North Korea's denuclearisation. He repeated that on Wednesday, saying while some people believed the talks should be moving more quickly, he was satisfied.

Trump has held out the prospect of easing sanctions if North Korea does something "meaningful".

The two leaders are scheduled to hold a 20-minute, one-on-one chat followed by a dinner with aides.

Trump will be accompanied by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney. Kim will be joined by his top envoy, Kim Yong Chol, and Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho.

US President Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un opened the second summit in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Wednesday. Kim and Trump shook hands and smiled briefly in front of a row of their countries' flags at the Metropole hotel in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi.

US President Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong-un opened the second summit in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi on Wednesday. Kim and Trump shook hands and smiled briefly in front of a row of their countries' flags at the Metropole hotel in the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi. Trump told reporters he thought the talks would be very successful, and asked if he was "walking back" on denuclearisation, said "no". "I am certain that an outcome will be achieved this time that will be welcomed by all people," Kim told Trump. "I will do my best to make that happen." Trump had earlier met Kim in Singapore in June last year as the North Korean leader promised to denuclearise the Korean Peninsula, however, no real progress was reported leading several experts to claim that North Korea a was stalling. In the run-up to this summit, Trump has indicated a more flexible stance, saying he was in no rush to secure North Korea's denuclearisation. He repeated that on Wednesday, saying while some people believed the talks should be moving more quickly, he was satisfied. Trump has held out the prospect of easing sanctions if North Korea does something "meaningful". The two leaders are scheduled to hold a 20-minute, one-on-one chat followed by a dinner with aides. Trump will be accompanied by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney. Kim will be joined by his top envoy, Kim Yong Chol, and Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho.

Trump meets North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Hanoi as second summit begins

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was dispatching a team to make preparations for the next summit between<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-discusses-expected-summit-with-trump-in-talks-in-china-report-189075"> President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim</a> Jong Un to be held somewhere in Asia late in February.

In an interview with Fox News Channel, Pompeo said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-nkorea-negotiating-on-location-for-next-kim-summit-188593">North Koreans had agreed the second </a>summit between the two leaders would be held at the end of February.

Pompeo did not name the summit venue. Vietnam had said last week it had not been informed about any time or venue for a possible Trump-Kim summit, but that it was confident in its ability to host such a meeting.

Officials and diplomats had said two weeks ago that Vietnam was keen to host the summit and two sources told Reuters that Hanoi was preparing to receive Kim on a state visit.

Singapore, where Trump and Kim met in June, and Bangkok have also been talked about as possibilities for the planned summit.

Last June's summit - the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader - produced a vague commitment by Kim to work toward the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, but he has yet to take what Washington sees as concrete steps in that direction.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was dispatching a team to make preparations for the next summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to be held somewhere in Asia late in February.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday he was dispatching a team to make preparations for the next summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to be held somewhere in Asia late in February. In an interview with Fox News Channel, Pompeo said the North Koreans had agreed the second summit between the two leaders would be held at the end of February. Pompeo did not name the summit venue. Vietnam had said last week it had not been informed about any time or venue for a possible Trump-Kim summit, but that it was confident in its ability to host such a meeting. Officials and diplomats had said two weeks ago that Vietnam was keen to host the summit and two sources told Reuters that Hanoi was preparing to receive Kim on a state visit. Singapore, where Trump and Kim met in June, and Bangkok have also been talked about as possibilities for the planned summit. Last June's summit - the first between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader - produced a vague commitment by Kim to work toward the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, but he has yet to take what Washington sees as concrete steps in that direction.

Trump-Kim summit to be held somewhere in Asia in late February: Pompeo

&nbsp;North Korea's state media KCNA reported <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-ends-beijing-visit-as-trump-summit-looms-189192">today that Kim Jong-un's visit to China</a> led to in-depth discussions with President Xi on how to "jointly study and steer" the situation on the Korean peninsula and denuclearisation talks.

Kim reportedly told Xi that there<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-discusses-expected-summit-with-trump-in-talks-in-china-report-189075"> is no change in North Korea's stand </a>towards the agreement reached with President Trump in the Singapore summit in June last year.

Meanwhile, China's state media Xinhua news agency said Xi told Kim that "political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue faces a rare historic opportunity."&nbsp;

"China supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results, and supports relevant parties resolving their respective legitimate concerns through dialogue", Xi told Kim according to the Chinese state media.

Kim had visited China on Monday travelling in a private train to meet Xi who he had met three times last year even as he held summit meeting with US President Trump and &nbsp;South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

Kim was accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju, and senior North Korean officials.

"China hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway," Xi reportedly told Kim during the meeting, adding that &nbsp;China stands ready to play a "positive and constructive role to maintain peace and stability and achieve denuclearisation on the peninsula."

Kim said he will "make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and US leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community". Kim's meeting with Xi comes ahead of the expected second summit with President Trump due to take place this year.

Xinhua news agency said both leaders had a "cordial and friendly" meeting and pledged to make joint efforts to promote development.

North Korea's state media KCNA reported today that Kim Jong-un's visit to China led to in-depth discussions with President Xi on how to "jointly study and steer" the situation on the Korean peninsula and denuclearisation talks.

North Korea's state media KCNA reported today that Kim Jong-un's visit to China led to in-depth discussions with President Xi on how to "jointly study and steer" the situation on the Korean peninsula and denuclearisation talks. Kim reportedly told Xi that there is no change in North Korea's stand towards the agreement reached with President Trump in the Singapore summit in June last year. Meanwhile, China's state media Xinhua news agency said Xi told Kim that "political settlement of the Korean Peninsula issue faces a rare historic opportunity." "China supports the DPRK and the United States holding summits and achieving results, and supports relevant parties resolving their respective legitimate concerns through dialogue", Xi told Kim according to the Chinese state media. Kim had visited China on Monday travelling in a private train to meet Xi who he had met three times last year even as he held summit meeting with US President Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Kim was accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju, and senior North Korean officials. "China hopes that the DPRK and the United States will meet each other halfway," Xi reportedly told Kim during the meeting, adding that China stands ready to play a "positive and constructive role to maintain peace and stability and achieve denuclearisation on the peninsula." Kim said he will "make efforts for the second summit between DPRK and US leaders to achieve results that will be welcomed by the international community". Kim's meeting with Xi comes ahead of the expected second summit with President Trump due to take place this year. Xinhua news agency said both leaders had a "cordial and friendly" meeting and pledged to make joint efforts to promote development.

China hopes North Korea and US meet each other halfway: President Xi to Kim

North Korea's commitment to the "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-condemns-us-sanctions-warns-denuclearization-at-risk-184559">denuclearisation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-condemns-us-sanctions-warns-denuclearization-at-risk-184559"> of the Korean peninsula</a>" also includes "completely eliminating the US&nbsp;nuclear threat to Korea," North Korean state media said on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-north-korea-reportedly-tests-new-high-tech-weapon-us-says-confident-kim-will-fulfill-denuclearisation-promise-177629">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un</a> issued a joint statement after their historic meeting in Singapore in June that reaffirmed the North’s commitment to "work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula" and gave US guarantees of security to North Korea.

Conflicting or vague views of what exactly "denuclearisation" means, however, have complicated negotiations that now appear stalled.

Thursday's commentary, released by North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency, is one of the clearest explanations since the June summit of how Pyongyang sees denuclearisation.

"When we refer to the Korean peninsula, the term encompasses the area of DPRK plus South Korean territory where US nuclear weapons and other forms of aggression forces are deployed," the editorial said, using the initials of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"When we refer to the 'denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula' as well, it should be correctly understood as removing all nuclear threat factors from not only the North and the South but from all neighbouring areas."

North Korea rejects American calls for it to unilaterally denuclearise, and Washington should abandon the "delusion" of forcing Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons "via pressure and oppression," the article said.

The United States has said that it will not lift sanctions on North Korea until more progress has been made toward the verifiable denuclearisation of North Korea.

Washington has also rejected any suggestion that it would reduce its military presence in the region as part of a deal with North Korea, but in a surprise move after the summit, Trump announced that the Pentagon would cancel most of its largest military exercises conducted with the South Koreans.

The exact definition of denuclearisation is likely to be raised again as Trump has said he is working to meet again with Kim sometime early next year.

"It is obvious that denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula is a joint business that cannot be achieved unless both Korea and the United States strive together," the KCNA commentary said.

"In this sense, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula should be defined as 'completely eliminating the US nuclear threat to Korea' before it can eliminate our nuclear deterrent."

The United States deployed nuclear weapons in South Korea from 1958 to 1991. Since they were withdrawn, the United States has extended its "nuclear umbrella" of support to Japan and South Korea using bombers and submarines based elsewhere.

At a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday, US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said he would not "split words" when asked about whether the promise of "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" means only North Korea or the broader region.

"We are focused on the denuclearisation of North Korea," Palladino said. "We remain confident and we look forward to the commitments that Chairman Kim and that President Trump have made."

North Korea's commitment to the "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" also includes "completely eliminating the US nuclear threat to Korea," North Korean state media said on Thursday.

North Korea's commitment to the "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" also includes "completely eliminating the US nuclear threat to Korea," North Korean state media said on Thursday. US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued a joint statement after their historic meeting in Singapore in June that reaffirmed the North’s commitment to "work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula" and gave US guarantees of security to North Korea. Conflicting or vague views of what exactly "denuclearisation" means, however, have complicated negotiations that now appear stalled. Thursday's commentary, released by North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency, is one of the clearest explanations since the June summit of how Pyongyang sees denuclearisation. "When we refer to the Korean peninsula, the term encompasses the area of DPRK plus South Korean territory where US nuclear weapons and other forms of aggression forces are deployed," the editorial said, using the initials of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "When we refer to the 'denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula' as well, it should be correctly understood as removing all nuclear threat factors from not only the North and the South but from all neighbouring areas." North Korea rejects American calls for it to unilaterally denuclearise, and Washington should abandon the "delusion" of forcing Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons "via pressure and oppression," the article said. The United States has said that it will not lift sanctions on North Korea until more progress has been made toward the verifiable denuclearisation of North Korea. Washington has also rejected any suggestion that it would reduce its military presence in the region as part of a deal with North Korea, but in a surprise move after the summit, Trump announced that the Pentagon would cancel most of its largest military exercises conducted with the South Koreans. The exact definition of denuclearisation is likely to be raised again as Trump has said he is working to meet again with Kim sometime early next year. "It is obvious that denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula is a joint business that cannot be achieved unless both Korea and the United States strive together," the KCNA commentary said. "In this sense, the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula should be defined as 'completely eliminating the US nuclear threat to Korea' before it can eliminate our nuclear deterrent." The United States deployed nuclear weapons in South Korea from 1958 to 1991. Since they were withdrawn, the United States has extended its "nuclear umbrella" of support to Japan and South Korea using bombers and submarines based elsewhere. At a press briefing in Washington on Tuesday, US State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said he would not "split words" when asked about whether the promise of "denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" means only North Korea or the broader region. "We are focused on the denuclearisation of North Korea," Palladino said. "We remain confident and we look forward to the commitments that Chairman Kim and that President Trump have made."

Denuclearisation includes eliminating US nuclear threat in Korean Peninsula: North Korean state media

The two Koreas began destroying 20 guard posts along their heavily-fortified frontier Sunday under a plan to reduce tensions on the border.

Under an agreement made between their generals in late October, North and South Korea agreed to each remove 10 posts and preserve one on either side of the frontier.

The militaries on Sunday began destroying the 20 border guard posts in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas after withdrawing troops and equipment from them, Yonhap news agency reported, citing Seoul's defence ministry.

South Korea has around 60 such posts along the rest of the border while the North has about 160, Yonhap said.

The border truce village of Panmunjom -- or the Joint Security Area (JSA) -- is the only spot along the tense, 250-kilometre (155-mile) frontier where soldiers from the two Koreas and the US-led UN Command stand face to face.

But as part of the latest reconciliatory gesture, the two Koreas last month removed all firearms and guard posts from the area, leaving it manned by 35 unarmed personnel from each side.

The moves come as a diplomatic thaw between the former wartime foes gathers pace.

Under doveish South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Seoul has pursued a policy of engagement with its isolated, nuclear-armed neighbour, in contrast with the US which insists pressure should be maintained on Pyongyang until it denuclearises.

Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed on a broad plan to ease tensions along the border during their third summit in Pyongyang in September.

The two nations technically remain at war after the 1950-53 Korean War that sealed the division of the peninsula and ended with a ceasefire instead of a peace treaty.

But ties improved markedly this year as Moon and Kim took a series of reconciliatory gestures.

Kim and US President Donald Trump also held a historic summit in June in Singapore and signed a vaguely worded deal on denuclearisation, but little progress has been made since then, with the two countries sparring over the exact meaning of the agreement.

Planned talks between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and one of Kim's right-hand men, Kim Yong Chol, were also delayed this week.&nbsp;

The two Koreas began destroying 20 guard posts along their heavily-fortified frontier Sunday under a plan to reduce tensions on the border. Under an agreement made between their generals in late October, North and South Korea agreed to each remove 10 posts and preserve one on either side of the frontier.

The two Koreas began destroying 20 guard posts along their heavily-fortified frontier Sunday under a plan to reduce tensions on the border. Under an agreement made between their generals in late October, North and South Korea agreed to each remove 10 posts and preserve one on either side of the frontier. The militaries on Sunday began destroying the 20 border guard posts in the Demilitarized Zone dividing the two Koreas after withdrawing troops and equipment from them, Yonhap news agency reported, citing Seoul's defence ministry. South Korea has around 60 such posts along the rest of the border while the North has about 160, Yonhap said. The border truce village of Panmunjom -- or the Joint Security Area (JSA) -- is the only spot along the tense, 250-kilometre (155-mile) frontier where soldiers from the two Koreas and the US-led UN Command stand face to face. But as part of the latest reconciliatory gesture, the two Koreas last month removed all firearms and guard posts from the area, leaving it manned by 35 unarmed personnel from each side. The moves come as a diplomatic thaw between the former wartime foes gathers pace. Under doveish South Korean President Moon Jae-in, Seoul has pursued a policy of engagement with its isolated, nuclear-armed neighbour, in contrast with the US which insists pressure should be maintained on Pyongyang until it denuclearises. Moon and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed on a broad plan to ease tensions along the border during their third summit in Pyongyang in September. The two nations technically remain at war after the 1950-53 Korean War that sealed the division of the peninsula and ended with a ceasefire instead of a peace treaty. But ties improved markedly this year as Moon and Kim took a series of reconciliatory gestures. Kim and US President Donald Trump also held a historic summit in June in Singapore and signed a vaguely worded deal on denuclearisation, but little progress has been made since then, with the two countries sparring over the exact meaning of the agreement. Planned talks between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and one of Kim's right-hand men, Kim Yong Chol, were also delayed this week.

North and South Korea begin destroying border guard posts to reduce tensions

A North Korean official urged the United States on Thursday to immediately lift sanctions against his country, warning that the country's "confidence-destroying measures" would undermine denuclearisation talks.

The US has insisted on maintaining stringent international sanctions on North Korea until it gives up its nuclear weapons, even as the two countries' leaders are expected to hold a second summit soon.

"We think that sanctions and pressure do more harm than good," Song Il Hyok, deputy director general of the North Korean foreign ministry's Institute for Disarmament and Peace, said at a defence forum in Beijing.

The sanctions, Song said, "are not at all" confidence-building measures "but confidence-destroying measures".

At their first summit in Singapore in June, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a vaguely-worded pledge on denuclearisation, but little progress has been made since then as both sides spar over how to interpret the text.

Song said Trump and Kim "recognised that the mutual confidence-building can promote the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" during their meeting in Singapore.

He called on Washington to "lift immediately the sanctions and this hindrance" to confidence-building.

Song spoke at the Xiangshan Forum, a regional defence dialogue hosted by China since 2006 as part of Beijing's efforts to step up its global influence.

A North Korean official urged the United States on Thursday to immediately lift sanctions against his country, warning that the country's "confidence-destroying measures" would undermine denuclearisation talks.

A North Korean official urged the United States on Thursday to immediately lift sanctions against his country, warning that the country's "confidence-destroying measures" would undermine denuclearisation talks. The US has insisted on maintaining stringent international sanctions on North Korea until it gives up its nuclear weapons, even as the two countries' leaders are expected to hold a second summit soon. "We think that sanctions and pressure do more harm than good," Song Il Hyok, deputy director general of the North Korean foreign ministry's Institute for Disarmament and Peace, said at a defence forum in Beijing. The sanctions, Song said, "are not at all" confidence-building measures "but confidence-destroying measures". At their first summit in Singapore in June, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a vaguely-worded pledge on denuclearisation, but little progress has been made since then as both sides spar over how to interpret the text. Song said Trump and Kim "recognised that the mutual confidence-building can promote the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" during their meeting in Singapore. He called on Washington to "lift immediately the sanctions and this hindrance" to confidence-building. Song spoke at the Xiangshan Forum, a regional defence dialogue hosted by China since 2006 as part of Beijing's efforts to step up its global influence.

North Korea warns US against 'confidence-destroying measures'

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