Kim Jong un visits Beijing on Xi Jinping's invitation

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is on his way to China for his fourth summit with China`s Xi Jinping, South Korean media said on Monday.&nbsp;

South Korea's Hankyoreh newspaper, citing an unidentified source with close knowledge of North Korea-China affairs, reported that Kim was travelling to Beijing late on Monday to meet with Xi.&nbsp;

South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing an unspecified source familiar with North Korea issues, said a North Korean train carrying a "high-level" official had cross the border into China. 
&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is on his way to China for his fourth summit with China`s Xi Jinping, South Korean media said on Monday. South Korea's Hankyoreh newspaper, citing an unidentified source with close knowledge of North Korea-China affairs, reported that Kim was travelling to Beijing late on Monday to meet with Xi.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is on his way to China for his fourth summit with China`s Xi Jinping, South Korean media said on Monday. South Korea's Hankyoreh newspaper, citing an unidentified source with close knowledge of North Korea-China affairs, reported that Kim was travelling to Beijing late on Monday to meet with Xi. South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing an unspecified source familiar with North Korea issues, said a North Korean train carrying a "high-level" official had cross the border into China.

North Korea's Kim to visit China for fourth summit: Report

US President Donald Trump said Sunday negotiations are underway on the location of the next summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump, who held a historic summit with Kim in Singapore in June, said earlier in the week he had received a "great letter" from the North Korean leader but declined to reveal its contents.

"We are negotiating a location," he told reporters before boarding a helicopter for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, where he said he would be discussing a trade deal with China.

The letter from Kim came after he warned in a New Year's speech that Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions.

Trump insisted on Sunday, however, "With North Korea, we have a very good dialogue."

US President Donald Trump said Sunday negotiations are underway on the location of the next summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump, who held a historic summit with Kim in Singapore in June, said earlier in the week he had received a "great letter" from the North Korean leader but declined to reveal its contents.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday negotiations are underway on the location of the next summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump, who held a historic summit with Kim in Singapore in June, said earlier in the week he had received a "great letter" from the North Korean leader but declined to reveal its contents. "We are negotiating a location," he told reporters before boarding a helicopter for the presidential retreat at Camp David, Maryland, where he said he would be discussing a trade deal with China. The letter from Kim came after he warned in a New Year's speech that Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions. Trump insisted on Sunday, however, "With North Korea, we have a very good dialogue."

Trump says US, North Korea 'negotiating' on location for next Kim summit

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had received a "great letter" from Kim Jong Un, after the North Korean leader warned <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/after-pyongyangs-warning-trump-says-looks-forward-to-new-meeting-with-kim-187846">Pyongyang may change its approach</a> to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions.

"I just got a great letter from Kim Jong Un," Trump told a cabinet meeting, reiterating that he still expected to hold a second summit with the North Korean leader, after the pair signed a pledge on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula in Singapore last June.

"We really established a very good relationship," Trump said. "We'll probably have another meeting."

Trump has cast his first summit with Kim as a major diplomatic victory, and on Wednesday repeated his claim that there would be a "big fat war in Asia" had they not sat down to talk.

But progress has stalled since the Singapore summit with the two sides disagreeing over the meaning of their vaguely-worded declaration, and the pace of US-North Korean negotiations has slowed, with meetings and visits cancelled at short notice.

Speculation about a second Trump-Kim summit has meanwhile ebbed and flowed, with the US president saying that he hoped it would take place early this year.

In a brief tweet on Tuesday, Trump said he "look(s) forward to meeting with Chairman Kim who realizes so well that North Korea possesses great economic potential!"&nbsp;

The North is demanding relief from multiple sanctions imposed over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and has condemned US insistence on its nuclear disarmament as "gangster-like."

In his New Year speech Kim called for the sanctions to be eased, saying that the North had declared "we would neither make and test nuclear weapons any longer nor use and proliferate them," and urged the US to take "corresponding practical actions."&nbsp;

Culminating in late 2017, the North has carried out six atomic blasts and launched rockets capable of reaching the entire US mainland, but has now carried out no such tests for more than a year.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had received a "great letter" from Kim Jong Un, after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had received a "great letter" from Kim Jong Un, after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang may change its approach to nuclear talks if Washington persists with sanctions. "I just got a great letter from Kim Jong Un," Trump told a cabinet meeting, reiterating that he still expected to hold a second summit with the North Korean leader, after the pair signed a pledge on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula in Singapore last June. "We really established a very good relationship," Trump said. "We'll probably have another meeting." Trump has cast his first summit with Kim as a major diplomatic victory, and on Wednesday repeated his claim that there would be a "big fat war in Asia" had they not sat down to talk. But progress has stalled since the Singapore summit with the two sides disagreeing over the meaning of their vaguely-worded declaration, and the pace of US-North Korean negotiations has slowed, with meetings and visits cancelled at short notice. Speculation about a second Trump-Kim summit has meanwhile ebbed and flowed, with the US president saying that he hoped it would take place early this year. In a brief tweet on Tuesday, Trump said he "look(s) forward to meeting with Chairman Kim who realizes so well that North Korea possesses great economic potential!" The North is demanding relief from multiple sanctions imposed over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and has condemned US insistence on its nuclear disarmament as "gangster-like." In his New Year speech Kim called for the sanctions to be eased, saying that the North had declared "we would neither make and test nuclear weapons any longer nor use and proliferate them," and urged the US to take "corresponding practical actions." Culminating in late 2017, the North has carried out six atomic blasts and launched rockets capable of reaching the entire US mainland, but has now carried out no such tests for more than a year.

Trump received 'great' letter from North Korea's Kim, says still expects to hold second summit

Italy is not aware of any asylum request from North Korea's top diplomat in Rome who has reportedly gone into hiding in the country, a source close to the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

"We have no knowledge" of such a request, the source told AFP, adding that the ministry had simply received a request for the "replacement" of the diplomat, identified by Seoul as Jo Song Gil.

But the ministry did not know his whereabouts, the source said, adding that the replacement had arrived in Rome.

South Korea's spy agency had briefed lawmakers on the fate of the diplomat after a newspaper reported that Jo had sought asylum in an unnamed Western country with his family.

Jo, 48, has been acting ambassador in Rome since October 2017 after Italy expelled the then ambassador Mun Jong Nam in protest at a nuclear test by the North a month earlier in violation of UN resolutions.

Italy is an important diplomatic mission for Pyongyang, as it handles relations with the Rome-headquartered UN Food and Agriculture Organization and North Korea suffers from chronic food shortages.

Meanwhile, a Seoul lawmaker told reporters after a closed-door meeting with intelligence officials on Thursday that North Korea's top diplomat in Italy has gone into hiding.

"Acting ambassador Jo Song Gil's term was ending in late November last year and he escaped the diplomatic compound in early November" with his wife, Kim Min-ki told reporters.

Italy is not aware of any asylum request from North Korea's top diplomat in Rome who has reportedly gone into hiding in the country, a source close to the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Italy is not aware of any asylum request from North Korea's top diplomat in Rome who has reportedly gone into hiding in the country, a source close to the foreign ministry said on Thursday. "We have no knowledge" of such a request, the source told AFP, adding that the ministry had simply received a request for the "replacement" of the diplomat, identified by Seoul as Jo Song Gil. But the ministry did not know his whereabouts, the source said, adding that the replacement had arrived in Rome. South Korea's spy agency had briefed lawmakers on the fate of the diplomat after a newspaper reported that Jo had sought asylum in an unnamed Western country with his family. Jo, 48, has been acting ambassador in Rome since October 2017 after Italy expelled the then ambassador Mun Jong Nam in protest at a nuclear test by the North a month earlier in violation of UN resolutions. Italy is an important diplomatic mission for Pyongyang, as it handles relations with the Rome-headquartered UN Food and Agriculture Organization and North Korea suffers from chronic food shortages. Meanwhile, a Seoul lawmaker told reporters after a closed-door meeting with intelligence officials on Thursday that North Korea's top diplomat in Italy has gone into hiding. "Acting ambassador Jo Song Gil's term was ending in late November last year and he escaped the diplomatic compound in early November" with his wife, Kim Min-ki told reporters.

No knowledge of North Korean diplomat seeking asylum: Italy

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he looked forward to another summit with Kim Jong Un, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-new-path-inevitable-if-us-demands-unilateral-action-187606">day after the North Korean leader warned</a> Pyongyang could take a different approach to nuclear talks if US economic sanctions persist.

"I also look forward to meeting with Chairman Kim who realizes so well that North Korea possesses great economic potential!" Trump said in a brief tweet.

The US leader made his comment after citing news coverage of Kim's New Year remark that the North had declared it would neither make nor test nuclear weapons any longer, or proliferate them.

At a summit with Trump in Singapore in June, the two signed a vaguely worded pledge on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

But progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington arguing over what that means.

Trump has previously said that he hoped to have a second meeting with Kim early this year.

But the North is demanding relief from the multiple sanctions over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and has condemned US insistence on its nuclear disarmament as "gangster-like."

Kim, in his New Year speech, said that if the US continues with sanctions "we may be compelled to find a new way for defending the sovereignty of the country and the supreme interests of the state."

He added he was willing to meet Trump at any time and would seek "to obtain without fail results which can be welcomed by the international community."

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he looked forward to another summit with Kim Jong Un, a day after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang could take a different approach to nuclear talks if US economic sanctions persist.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday he looked forward to another summit with Kim Jong Un, a day after the North Korean leader warned Pyongyang could take a different approach to nuclear talks if US economic sanctions persist. "I also look forward to meeting with Chairman Kim who realizes so well that North Korea possesses great economic potential!" Trump said in a brief tweet. The US leader made his comment after citing news coverage of Kim's New Year remark that the North had declared it would neither make nor test nuclear weapons any longer, or proliferate them. At a summit with Trump in Singapore in June, the two signed a vaguely worded pledge on denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. But progress has since stalled with Pyongyang and Washington arguing over what that means. Trump has previously said that he hoped to have a second meeting with Kim early this year. But the North is demanding relief from the multiple sanctions over its banned nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, and has condemned US insistence on its nuclear disarmament as "gangster-like." Kim, in his New Year speech, said that if the US continues with sanctions "we may be compelled to find a new way for defending the sovereignty of the country and the supreme interests of the state." He added he was willing to meet Trump at any time and would seek "to obtain without fail results which can be welcomed by the international community."

After Pyongyang's warning, Trump says looks forward to new meeting with Kim

China has given a full appraisal of the series of significant moves taken by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) towards <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/will-china-help-trump-denuclearise-north-korea-177266">denuclearisation</a>, and encourages and supports DPRK and the United States in continuing their dialogues and achieve positive results, said a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

The spokesman, Lu Kang, made the remarks at a media briefing in Beijing when asked to comment on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/east-asia/denuclearisation-includes-eliminating-us-nuclear-threat-in-korean-peninsula-north-korean-state-media-185456">New Year Message </a>delivered by DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un.

Lu said: "It is known to all that important and positive changes have taken place in the Korean Peninsula over the past year. We are glad to see that the Korean Peninsula issue has returned to the track of dialogue and negotiations and the north and south of the Peninsula have realized improvement and development in their relations."

"China supports the series of important moves taken by the DPRK toward the denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula, supports the DPRK in persisting in the stand of denuclearisation and peaceful dialogue. We also support the DPRK and the United States and the DPRK and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in continuing the good momentum of their interactions, in continuing revealing goodwill, consolidating mutual trust and improving relations and pushing the denuclearisation of the Peninsula and the process of political solution to the peninsula issue," said Lu.

Lu said that "just as Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his telephone conversation with U.S. President Trump on Dec. 29, 2018, China supports the DPRK and the United States in continuing their dialogue and achieve positive results. We also encourage the two sides to do the same."

Lu said: "We believe and hope that the two sides respect each other and address each other's reasonable concerns, make concerted efforts for positive progress in pushing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and building a mechanism for peace on the peninsula. China will continue its role in these respects."

China has given a full appraisal of the series of significant moves taken by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) towards denuclearisation, and encourages and supports DPRK and the United States in continuing their dialogues and achieve positive results, said a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

China has given a full appraisal of the series of significant moves taken by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) towards denuclearisation, and encourages and supports DPRK and the United States in continuing their dialogues and achieve positive results, said a spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. The spokesman, Lu Kang, made the remarks at a media briefing in Beijing when asked to comment on the New Year Message delivered by DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un. Lu said: "It is known to all that important and positive changes have taken place in the Korean Peninsula over the past year. We are glad to see that the Korean Peninsula issue has returned to the track of dialogue and negotiations and the north and south of the Peninsula have realized improvement and development in their relations." "China supports the series of important moves taken by the DPRK toward the denuclearisation on the Korean Peninsula, supports the DPRK in persisting in the stand of denuclearisation and peaceful dialogue. We also support the DPRK and the United States and the DPRK and the Republic of Korea (ROK) in continuing the good momentum of their interactions, in continuing revealing goodwill, consolidating mutual trust and improving relations and pushing the denuclearisation of the Peninsula and the process of political solution to the peninsula issue," said Lu. Lu said that "just as Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his telephone conversation with U.S. President Trump on Dec. 29, 2018, China supports the DPRK and the United States in continuing their dialogue and achieve positive results. We also encourage the two sides to do the same." Lu said: "We believe and hope that the two sides respect each other and address each other's reasonable concerns, make concerted efforts for positive progress in pushing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and building a mechanism for peace on the peninsula. China will continue its role in these respects."

We support US, North Korea on continued dialogue: China

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday that his resolve for complete denuclearisation remains unchanged but he may have no option but to seek a "new path" if the United States continues to demand unilateral action from North Korea.

In his New Year address, Kim said there would be faster progress on denuclearisation if the United States takes corresponding action.

He added that he is willing to meet US&nbsp;President Donald Trump at any time.

Kim also called for South Korea to stop joint military exercises with "outside forces" involving strategic assets, while multilateral negotiations should be pursued to build a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korean media on Monday reported that leader Kim Jong Un sent a "conciliatory message" to US President Donald Trump amid stalled nuclear negotiations.

The report did not include details about the message but said it related to US-North Korea talks, and was conciliatory in tone.

On Sunday, the office of South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Kim had sent a letter to his counterpart in Seoul saying he wants to hold more inter-Korean summits next year to achieve denuclearisation of the peninsula.

Neither the US State Department nor the US Embassy in Seoul had an immediate comment about the report of Kim's message to Trump when contacted by Reuters.

"There is a dialogue channel between North Korea and the United States through which they exchange active communication, but I cannot know whether it took the form of letter or something else," Moon's spokesman told a news briefing on Monday.

However, both sides have struggled to make progress on this matter. They are also yet to reschedule a meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol after an abrupt cancellation in November.

Pyongyang's state media has credited Trump for his willingness to continue dialogue but has also slammed the US State Department for tightening sanctions.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday that his resolve for complete denuclearisation remains unchanged but he may have no option but to seek a "new path" if the United States continues to demand unilateral action from North Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said on Tuesday that his resolve for complete denuclearisation remains unchanged but he may have no option but to seek a "new path" if the United States continues to demand unilateral action from North Korea. In his New Year address, Kim said there would be faster progress on denuclearisation if the United States takes corresponding action. He added that he is willing to meet US President Donald Trump at any time. Kim also called for South Korea to stop joint military exercises with "outside forces" involving strategic assets, while multilateral negotiations should be pursued to build a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. North Korean media on Monday reported that leader Kim Jong Un sent a "conciliatory message" to US President Donald Trump amid stalled nuclear negotiations. The report did not include details about the message but said it related to US-North Korea talks, and was conciliatory in tone. On Sunday, the office of South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Kim had sent a letter to his counterpart in Seoul saying he wants to hold more inter-Korean summits next year to achieve denuclearisation of the peninsula. Neither the US State Department nor the US Embassy in Seoul had an immediate comment about the report of Kim's message to Trump when contacted by Reuters. "There is a dialogue channel between North Korea and the United States through which they exchange active communication, but I cannot know whether it took the form of letter or something else," Moon's spokesman told a news briefing on Monday. However, both sides have struggled to make progress on this matter. They are also yet to reschedule a meeting between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol after an abrupt cancellation in November. Pyongyang's state media has credited Trump for his willingness to continue dialogue but has also slammed the US State Department for tightening sanctions.

North Korea warns: Kim says 'new path' inevitable if US demands unilateral action

The personal information of nearly 1,000 North Koreans who defected to South Korea has been leaked after unknown hackers got access to a resettlement agency's database, the South Korean Unification Ministry said on Friday.

The ministry said it discovered last week that the names, birth dates and addresses of 997 defectors had been stolen through a computer infected with malicious software at an agency called the Hana centre, in the southern city of Gumi.

"The malware was planted through emails sent by an internal address," a ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity, due to the sensitivity of the issue, referring to a Hana centre email account.

The Hana centre is among 25 institutes the ministry runs around the country to help some 32,000 defectors adjust to life in the richer, democratic South by providing jobs, medical and legal support.

Defectors, most of whom risked their lives to flee poverty and political oppression, are a source of shame for North Korea. Its state media often denounces them as "human scum" and accuses South Korean spies of kidnapping some of them.

The ministry official declined to say if North Korea was believed to have been behind the hack, or what the motive might have been, saying a police investigation was under way to determine who did it.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-fabricating-facts-on-hacking-should-stop-smearing-china-on-cyber-security-foreign-ministry-185574">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-fabricating-facts-on-hacking-should-stop-smearing-china-on-cyber-security-foreign-ministry-185574"> fabricating facts on hacking, should stop smearing China on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-fabricating-facts-on-hacking-should-stop-smearing-china-on-cyber-security-foreign-ministry-185574">cyber security</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-fabricating-facts-on-hacking-should-stop-smearing-china-on-cyber-security-foreign-ministry-185574">, says Foreign </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-fabricating-facts-on-hacking-should-stop-smearing-china-on-cyber-security-foreign-ministry-185574">ministry</a>

North Korean hackers have in the past been accused of cyberattacks on South Korean state agencies and businesses.

North Korea stole classified documents from the South's defence ministry and a shipbuilder last year, while a cryptocurrency exchange filed for bankruptcy following a cyberattack linked to the North.

North Korean state media has denied those cyberattacks.

The latest data breach comes at a delicate time for the two Koreas which have been rapidly improving their relations after years of confrontation.

The Unification Ministry said it was notifying the affected defectors and there were no reports of any negative impact of the data breach.

"We're sorry this has happened and will make efforts to prevent it from recurring," the ministry official said.

Several defectors, including one who became a South Korean television celebrity, have disappeared in recent years only to turn up later in North Korean state media, criticising South Korea and the fate of defectors.

The personal information of nearly 1,000 North Koreans who defected to South Korea has been leaked after unknown hackers got access to a resettlement agency's database, the South Korean Unification Ministry said on Friday.

The personal information of nearly 1,000 North Koreans who defected to South Korea has been leaked after unknown hackers got access to a resettlement agency's database, the South Korean Unification Ministry said on Friday. The ministry said it discovered last week that the names, birth dates and addresses of 997 defectors had been stolen through a computer infected with malicious software at an agency called the Hana centre, in the southern city of Gumi. "The malware was planted through emails sent by an internal address," a ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity, due to the sensitivity of the issue, referring to a Hana centre email account. The Hana centre is among 25 institutes the ministry runs around the country to help some 32,000 defectors adjust to life in the richer, democratic South by providing jobs, medical and legal support. Defectors, most of whom risked their lives to flee poverty and political oppression, are a source of shame for North Korea. Its state media often denounces them as "human scum" and accuses South Korean spies of kidnapping some of them. The ministry official declined to say if North Korea was believed to have been behind the hack, or what the motive might have been, saying a police investigation was under way to determine who did it. Also read: US fabricating facts on hacking, should stop smearing China on cyber security, says Foreign ministry North Korean hackers have in the past been accused of cyberattacks on South Korean state agencies and businesses. North Korea stole classified documents from the South's defence ministry and a shipbuilder last year, while a cryptocurrency exchange filed for bankruptcy following a cyberattack linked to the North. North Korean state media has denied those cyberattacks. The latest data breach comes at a delicate time for the two Koreas which have been rapidly improving their relations after years of confrontation. The Unification Ministry said it was notifying the affected defectors and there were no reports of any negative impact of the data breach. "We're sorry this has happened and will make efforts to prevent it from recurring," the ministry official said. Several defectors, including one who became a South Korean television celebrity, have disappeared in recent years only to turn up later in North Korean state media, criticising South Korea and the fate of defectors.

Hacker steals data of nearly 1,000 North Korean defectors in South Korea

The two Koreas held a ceremony on Wednesday for a project to reconnect rail and road links, although construction cannot begin while sanctions over <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-condemns-us-sanctions-warns-denuclearization-at-risk-184559">North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes</a> remain in place, officials said.

The two sides agreed in October to inaugurate work on reconnecting railways and roads that have been cut since the 1950-53 Korean War, another example of the thaw in North-South relations this year.

A special train carried 100 <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-lift-certain-restricted-zones-at-dmz-181597&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiN4ZL95rzfAhXJqo8KHa0zDc84ChAWCBQwBQ&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1rm1wg9UQqWWAfi9uaS-5-">South Korean </a>officials, politicians and members of families displaced by the war to the ceremony at Panmun Station in the border city of Kaesong.

They were joined by a 100-strong North Korean delegation, as well as officials from the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/east-asia/denuclearisation-includes-eliminating-us-nuclear-threat-in-korean-peninsula-north-korean-state-media-185456">United Nations</a>, China, Russia and Mongolia, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry.

The United States and the UN Security Council gave their support for the ceremony, South Korean officials said, but construction cannot begin while sanctions block the shipment of energy and metal products, as well as other supplies.

"There's a lot of things to do before we actually start construction," Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee said, adding the two sides would conduct additional joint surveys and design work for one or two years.

There was a feeling of nervous excitement on the South Korean train as it left the capital Seoul.

"I'm just deeply moved," said Shin Jang-chul, who drove the last freight train between the Koreas a decade ago.

"It's been 10 years and I've been wondering if I would ever be able to come back after I retire," he added.

The ceremony was another example of the thaw in relations between the Koreas, technically still at war after their conflict ended in a truce not a peace treaty. But major economic initiatives have been stalled by the lack of progress on denuclearising the North.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in agreed to the ceremony during a September summit in Pyongyang with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a step toward joint industrial zones and reconnecting transport links.

However, the plan has been delayed amid US concerns that improving Korean ties could undermine efforts to press Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons.

Kim agreed to work toward denuclearisation at a summit with US President Donald Trump in June, but talks have since made little headway, with Pyongyang upset at Washington's insistence that sanctions remain until the North takes concrete steps toward denuclearisation.

"The South is trying to build on existing agreements, believing that advancing inter-Korean ties would have a positive impact on denuclearisation," said Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

"But given the absence of actual construction, the North will keep pressing the South to make it happen despite sanctions, in line with Kim's efforts to shore up his regime," he added.

The two Koreas held a ceremony on Wednesday for a project to reconnect rail and road links, although construction cannot begin while sanctions over North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes remain in place, officials said.

The two Koreas held a ceremony on Wednesday for a project to reconnect rail and road links, although construction cannot begin while sanctions over North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes remain in place, officials said. The two sides agreed in October to inaugurate work on reconnecting railways and roads that have been cut since the 1950-53 Korean War, another example of the thaw in North-South relations this year. A special train carried 100 South Korean officials, politicians and members of families displaced by the war to the ceremony at Panmun Station in the border city of Kaesong. They were joined by a 100-strong North Korean delegation, as well as officials from the United Nations, China, Russia and Mongolia, according to South Korea's Unification Ministry. The United States and the UN Security Council gave their support for the ceremony, South Korean officials said, but construction cannot begin while sanctions block the shipment of energy and metal products, as well as other supplies. "There's a lot of things to do before we actually start construction," Transport Minister Kim Hyun-mee said, adding the two sides would conduct additional joint surveys and design work for one or two years. There was a feeling of nervous excitement on the South Korean train as it left the capital Seoul. "I'm just deeply moved," said Shin Jang-chul, who drove the last freight train between the Koreas a decade ago. "It's been 10 years and I've been wondering if I would ever be able to come back after I retire," he added. The ceremony was another example of the thaw in relations between the Koreas, technically still at war after their conflict ended in a truce not a peace treaty. But major economic initiatives have been stalled by the lack of progress on denuclearising the North. South Korean President Moon Jae-in agreed to the ceremony during a September summit in Pyongyang with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a step toward joint industrial zones and reconnecting transport links. However, the plan has been delayed amid US concerns that improving Korean ties could undermine efforts to press Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. Kim agreed to work toward denuclearisation at a summit with US President Donald Trump in June, but talks have since made little headway, with Pyongyang upset at Washington's insistence that sanctions remain until the North takes concrete steps toward denuclearisation. "The South is trying to build on existing agreements, believing that advancing inter-Korean ties would have a positive impact on denuclearisation," said Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul. "But given the absence of actual construction, the North will keep pressing the South to make it happen despite sanctions, in line with Kim's efforts to shore up his regime," he added.

Watch: Koreas inaugurate rail, road project, but sanctions delay construction

North Korea on Tuesday hit back at a latest UN resolution that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-top-kim-jong-un-aides-over-north-korea-rights-183017">condemned Pyongyang's rights abuses</a>, calling it a "serious... provocation" that would undermine peace efforts on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/historic-inter-korean-summit-when-the-two-koreas-met-186132">Korean peninsula</a>.

The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-condemns-us-sanctions-warns-denuclearization-at-risk-184559">UN General Assembly</a>&nbsp;last week adopted a resolution — which passed by consensus without a vote — condemning the "systematic, widespread and gross" human rights violations in the isolated North.&nbsp;

The impoverished but nuclear-armed nation, ruled by the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/east-asia/denuclearisation-includes-eliminating-us-nuclear-threat-in-korean-peninsula-north-korean-state-media-185456">Kim family </a>through three generations, has been accused of state-sanctioned abuses including torture, rape and extrajudicial killings.&nbsp;

It marked the 14th consecutive year the UN has passed such a document. The North has constantly denied any rights abuses in the country and labelled the UN criticisms as smear campaigns aimed at undermining its leadership.&nbsp;

The North's state-run Rodong newspaper slammed the latest resolution as a "serious political provocation against the (North) and a vicious move to tarnish its international image".

"The wicked intention of the US... in getting vocal about the non-existent 'human rights issue' of the DPRK is to broaden the scope of the sanctions and pressure and escalate them," it said in an editorial, using the North's official name.

The editorial also lashed out at a "thoughtless"<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pictures-with-kim-jong-un-mask-pulled-down-from-social-media-after-backlash-in-south-korea-183853"> South Korea</a> for backing the UN bill — a move that would be "tarnishing the atmosphere of improving the north-south ties".

Washington had separately sought to organize a Security Council meeting on human rights in the North but gave up on the option earlier this month because it was unsure of the support it would get from partners.&nbsp;

But the US hopes to hold the meeting next month with the arrival of new non-permanent council members that could be more favourable to doing so.

The South's President Moon Jae-in has advocated dialogue with the North to nudge it to denuclearisation negotiations and has met with its leader Kim Jong Un three times this year.&nbsp;

Kim also met with US President Donald Trump in a historic summit in June but progress has stalled with both sides accusing each other of dragging their feet and acting in bad faith.

North Korea on Tuesday hit back at a latest UN resolution that condemned Pyongyang's rights abuses, calling it a "serious... provocation" that would undermine peace efforts on the Korean peninsula.

North Korea on Tuesday hit back at a latest UN resolution that condemned Pyongyang's rights abuses, calling it a "serious... provocation" that would undermine peace efforts on the Korean peninsula. The UN General Assembly last week adopted a resolution — which passed by consensus without a vote — condemning the "systematic, widespread and gross" human rights violations in the isolated North. The impoverished but nuclear-armed nation, ruled by the Kim family through three generations, has been accused of state-sanctioned abuses including torture, rape and extrajudicial killings. It marked the 14th consecutive year the UN has passed such a document. The North has constantly denied any rights abuses in the country and labelled the UN criticisms as smear campaigns aimed at undermining its leadership. The North's state-run Rodong newspaper slammed the latest resolution as a "serious political provocation against the (North) and a vicious move to tarnish its international image". "The wicked intention of the US... in getting vocal about the non-existent 'human rights issue' of the DPRK is to broaden the scope of the sanctions and pressure and escalate them," it said in an editorial, using the North's official name. The editorial also lashed out at a "thoughtless" South Korea for backing the UN bill — a move that would be "tarnishing the atmosphere of improving the north-south ties". Washington had separately sought to organize a Security Council meeting on human rights in the North but gave up on the option earlier this month because it was unsure of the support it would get from partners. But the US hopes to hold the meeting next month with the arrival of new non-permanent council members that could be more favourable to doing so. The South's President Moon Jae-in has advocated dialogue with the North to nudge it to denuclearisation negotiations and has met with its leader Kim Jong Un three times this year. Kim also met with US President Donald Trump in a historic summit in June but progress has stalled with both sides accusing each other of dragging their feet and acting in bad faith.

North Korea say UN resolution on rights abuse 'serious provocation'

A US judge on Monday ordered North Korea to pay $501 million over the death of American Otto Warmbier, concluding that the university student likely suffered torture.

The penalties, which North Korea is highly unlikely to pay willingly, come in the midst of a diplomatic drive by President Donald Trump, who is eager to reach a potential landmark deal with leader Kim Jong Un.

The parents of Warmbier sued North Korea in a US court after the 22-year-old was flown back to the United States last year in a coma, unrecognizable to his family and died within days of his return.

Beryl Howell, the chief judge of the US District Court for Washington, DC, awarded $501,134,683.80 to the family, most of it in punitive damages.

"An American family, the Warmbiers, experienced North Korea's brutality first-hand when North Korea seized their son to use as a pawn in that totalitarian state's global shenanigans and face-off with the United States," she wrote.

"North Korea is liable for the torture, hostage-taking, and extrajudicial killing of Otto Warmbier, and the injuries to his mother and father, Fred and Cindy Warmbier," she added.

Chances of paying slim&nbsp;

Howell said North Korea did not submit any response to the lawsuit, which the family filed under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, a US law that allows lawsuits against foreign governments over offences not considered to be covered by diplomatic immunity.

As one of the world's most isolated countries, North Korea is believed to have few assets in the United States that could be seized to meet the judgment.

But North Korea is seeking to end economic sanctions imposed over its nuclear program. An accord with Trump raises the possibility of future US assistance, which could become entangled by the court-ordered damages.

Trump, who held a historic summit in June with North Korea, posted on Twitter that he had a briefing Monday on diplomatic efforts and is "looking forward to my next summit with Chairman Kim!"

Senator Robert Portman of Ohio, who had secretly met North Korean officials as he pushed for Warmbier's release, hailed the court verdict.

"While nothing will bring back Otto Warmbier, who was such a promising young man, I'm glad that North Korea has been rightly held accountable for his death," he tweeted.

&nbsp;Unrecognizable after release&nbsp;

Warmbier, an Ohio native who studied at the University of Virginia, travelled to North Korea on a tour but did not return home. He was pulled away at the Pyongyang airport and charged with crimes against the state for allegedly taking down a poster in support of Kim.

The ruling said the family was continually advised by the State Department to stay quiet, believing North Korea would make a demand in return for Warmbier's safe release.

When he finally returned home after 17 months, Warmbier&nbsp;a high school prom king who was studying business and economics was attached to a feeding tube and was howling incomprehensible noises, the ruling said.&nbsp;

The head-shaven Warmbier had gone blind and deaf, his once straight teeth misaligned and his eyes bulging out, it said.&nbsp;

The judge quoted his neurologist in Ohio, Daniel Kanter, as concluding that Warmbier probably suffered brain damage of the sort caused by a loss of blood flow to the brain of five to 20 minutes.

Based on previously known cases in which North Korea extracted confessions, Warmbier's injuries could have been caused by water-boarding, electric shock, suffocation or pulling his teeth with pliers, Howell said.

North Korea has denied ill-treatment of Warmbier, saying he contracted botulism, a nerve disorder caused by toxin poisoning, while in detention.

But the judge quoted medical tests that found no evidence of botulism. And even if the diagnosis were true, the judge questioned why North Korea did not earlier send him back for medical care, a delay which she said: "compounds the deliberate nature of the totalitarian state's brutal treatment of Otto."

A US judge on Monday ordered North Korea to pay $501 million over the death of American Otto Warmbier, concluding that the university student likely suffered torture.

A US judge on Monday ordered North Korea to pay $501 million over the death of American Otto Warmbier, concluding that the university student likely suffered torture. The penalties, which North Korea is highly unlikely to pay willingly, come in the midst of a diplomatic drive by President Donald Trump, who is eager to reach a potential landmark deal with leader Kim Jong Un. The parents of Warmbier sued North Korea in a US court after the 22-year-old was flown back to the United States last year in a coma, unrecognizable to his family and died within days of his return. Beryl Howell, the chief judge of the US District Court for Washington, DC, awarded $501,134,683.80 to the family, most of it in punitive damages. "An American family, the Warmbiers, experienced North Korea's brutality first-hand when North Korea seized their son to use as a pawn in that totalitarian state's global shenanigans and face-off with the United States," she wrote. "North Korea is liable for the torture, hostage-taking, and extrajudicial killing of Otto Warmbier, and the injuries to his mother and father, Fred and Cindy Warmbier," she added. Chances of paying slim Howell said North Korea did not submit any response to the lawsuit, which the family filed under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, a US law that allows lawsuits against foreign governments over offences not considered to be covered by diplomatic immunity. As one of the world's most isolated countries, North Korea is believed to have few assets in the United States that could be seized to meet the judgment. But North Korea is seeking to end economic sanctions imposed over its nuclear program. An accord with Trump raises the possibility of future US assistance, which could become entangled by the court-ordered damages. Trump, who held a historic summit in June with North Korea, posted on Twitter that he had a briefing Monday on diplomatic efforts and is "looking forward to my next summit with Chairman Kim!" Senator Robert Portman of Ohio, who had secretly met North Korean officials as he pushed for Warmbier's release, hailed the court verdict. "While nothing will bring back Otto Warmbier, who was such a promising young man, I'm glad that North Korea has been rightly held accountable for his death," he tweeted. Unrecognizable after release Warmbier, an Ohio native who studied at the University of Virginia, travelled to North Korea on a tour but did not return home. He was pulled away at the Pyongyang airport and charged with crimes against the state for allegedly taking down a poster in support of Kim. The ruling said the family was continually advised by the State Department to stay quiet, believing North Korea would make a demand in return for Warmbier's safe release. When he finally returned home after 17 months, Warmbier a high school prom king who was studying business and economics was attached to a feeding tube and was howling incomprehensible noises, the ruling said. The head-shaven Warmbier had gone blind and deaf, his once straight teeth misaligned and his eyes bulging out, it said. The judge quoted his neurologist in Ohio, Daniel Kanter, as concluding that Warmbier probably suffered brain damage of the sort caused by a loss of blood flow to the brain of five to 20 minutes. Based on previously known cases in which North Korea extracted confessions, Warmbier's injuries could have been caused by water-boarding, electric shock, suffocation or pulling his teeth with pliers, Howell said. North Korea has denied ill-treatment of Warmbier, saying he contracted botulism, a nerve disorder caused by toxin poisoning, while in detention. But the judge quoted medical tests that found no evidence of botulism. And even if the diagnosis were true, the judge questioned why North Korea did not earlier send him back for medical care, a delay which she said: "compounds the deliberate nature of the totalitarian state's brutal treatment of Otto."

US judge orders North Korea to pay $501 million over dead American

US judge orders N. Korea to pay $501 million to Warmbiers

Kim Jong-un made history this year by becoming the first North Korean leader to cross the DMZ to step into South Korea to meet President Moon Jae-In. The summit between the two countries in April was the first in over a decade.

The meet was aimed at ending their decades-long conflict and easing tensions over the North's nuclear weapons programme.

Moon greeted Kim at the military demarcation line, making Kim the first North Korean leader to set foot in the South since the 1950-53 Korean War.

The 35-year-old leader, later in June, held a historic and high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump in Singapore where he committed to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Washington and Pyongyang have subsequently sparred over what that means and how it will be achieved, with the Trump administration consistently referring to the denuclearisation of North Korea specifically.

The process had become deadlocked until Moon's trip to Pyongyang, where Kim agreed to permanently dismantle a missile testing site.

Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because the Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.

The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea as a legacy of the Cold War conflict, which pitted the South, the United States and United Nations forces against the communist North, backed by China and Russia.

The emerging US consensus on Kim is similar to what many outside experts have publicly concluded. He is seen as a "rational actor", said US officials - not the "total nut job" that Trump once branded him. He craves international stature but his main aim is "regime survival" and perpetuating his family dynasty, suggesting it will be hard for him to agree to full nuclear disarmament, the officials said.

He is ruthless enough to have had relatives executed but now feels secure enough in power to gamble on Trump, they said. In terms of personality, he is seen more like his charismatic grandfather, Kim Il Sung, than his more camera-shy father.

His dispatch of his sister to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February and a rare appearance by his wife when South Korean envoys visited in March demonstrates an effort to humanise his leadership abroad, they added.

Kim Jong-un made history this year by becoming the first North Korean leader to cross the DMZ to step into South Korea to meet President Moon Jae-In. The summit between the two countries in April was the first in over a decade.

Kim Jong-un made history this year by becoming the first North Korean leader to cross the DMZ to step into South Korea to meet President Moon Jae-In. The summit between the two countries in April was the first in over a decade. The meet was aimed at ending their decades-long conflict and easing tensions over the North's nuclear weapons programme. Moon greeted Kim at the military demarcation line, making Kim the first North Korean leader to set foot in the South since the 1950-53 Korean War. The 35-year-old leader, later in June, held a historic and high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump in Singapore where he committed to work towards denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Washington and Pyongyang have subsequently sparred over what that means and how it will be achieved, with the Trump administration consistently referring to the denuclearisation of North Korea specifically. The process had become deadlocked until Moon's trip to Pyongyang, where Kim agreed to permanently dismantle a missile testing site. Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because the Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea as a legacy of the Cold War conflict, which pitted the South, the United States and United Nations forces against the communist North, backed by China and Russia. The emerging US consensus on Kim is similar to what many outside experts have publicly concluded. He is seen as a "rational actor", said US officials - not the "total nut job" that Trump once branded him. He craves international stature but his main aim is "regime survival" and perpetuating his family dynasty, suggesting it will be hard for him to agree to full nuclear disarmament, the officials said. He is ruthless enough to have had relatives executed but now feels secure enough in power to gamble on Trump, they said. In terms of personality, he is seen more like his charismatic grandfather, Kim Il Sung, than his more camera-shy father. His dispatch of his sister to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February and a rare appearance by his wife when South Korean envoys visited in March demonstrates an effort to humanise his leadership abroad, they added.

Kim Jong-un: The 'rational actor' who made history this year

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

North Korea on Sunday condemned the US&nbsp;administration for stepping up sanctions and pressure on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-still-maintaining-ballistic-missile-sites-us-think-tank-176984">the nuclear-armed country</a>, warning of a return to "exchanges of fire" and that disarming Pyongyang could be blocked forever.

The North's stinging response came after the United States said on Monday it had introduced sanctions on three North Korean officials, including a top aide to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, for alleged human rights abuses.

Denuclearising North Korea has made little progress since Kim Jong Un and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump met in Singapore in June in a historic summit. The two sides have yet to reschedule working-level talks between US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol, which were cancelled abruptly in November.

While crediting Trump for his "willingness" to improve relations with the North, also known as DPRK, Pyongyang accused the US&nbsp;State Department of being "bent on bringing the DPRK-US&nbsp;relations back to the status of last year which was marked by exchanges of fire."

North Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement that Washington had taken "sanctions measures for as many as eight times against the companies, individuals and ships of not only the DPRK but also Russia, China and other third countries..."

If the US&nbsp;administration believed that heightened sanctions and pressure would force Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons, "it will count as (its) greatest miscalculation, and it will block the path to denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula forever - a result desired by no one," according to the statement.

The foreign ministry statement was released under the name of the policy research director of the Institute for American Studies.

North Korea on Sunday condemned the US administration for stepping up sanctions and pressure on the nuclear-armed country, warning of a return to "exchanges of fire" and that disarming Pyongyang could be blocked forever.

North Korea on Sunday condemned the US administration for stepping up sanctions and pressure on the nuclear-armed country, warning of a return to "exchanges of fire" and that disarming Pyongyang could be blocked forever. The North's stinging response came after the United States said on Monday it had introduced sanctions on three North Korean officials, including a top aide to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, for alleged human rights abuses. Denuclearising North Korea has made little progress since Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump met in Singapore in June in a historic summit. The two sides have yet to reschedule working-level talks between US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and senior North Korean official Kim Yong Chol, which were cancelled abruptly in November. While crediting Trump for his "willingness" to improve relations with the North, also known as DPRK, Pyongyang accused the US State Department of being "bent on bringing the DPRK-US relations back to the status of last year which was marked by exchanges of fire." North Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement that Washington had taken "sanctions measures for as many as eight times against the companies, individuals and ships of not only the DPRK but also Russia, China and other third countries..." If the US administration believed that heightened sanctions and pressure would force Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons, "it will count as (its) greatest miscalculation, and it will block the path to denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula forever - a result desired by no one," according to the statement. The foreign ministry statement was released under the name of the policy research director of the Institute for American Studies.

Denuclearisation is at risk, warns North Korea; condemns UN sanctions

Over dozens of people in South Korea recently posted pictures of themselves in "nuke masks" featuring North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un on social media.

The pictures were later pulled down after the users received heavy backlash on local media.

Following the&nbsp;backlash, many South Korean stores also discontinued the sale of the masks.

The facial masks featuring the North Korean leader were created by 5149, a South Korean fashion and cosmetics company, and were sold for 4,000 won (£2.80), a report said.

In an interview with the New York Times, the firm's chief executive Kwak Hyeon-Ju said the masks were made to celebrate the "once in a lifetime" Korean summits held earlier this year.

The leaders of the two countries held a historic meet this year in April over denuclearisation.

The North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, in one of the historic move, crossed the southern border to hold a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-In.

The meeting which was held after over a decade aimed to turn the DMZ - long a symbol of tension and division - into a “peace zone.”

Over dozens of people in South Korea recently posted pictures of themselves in "nuke masks" featuring North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un on social media. The pictures were later pulled down after the users received heavy backlash on local media.

Over dozens of people in South Korea recently posted pictures of themselves in "nuke masks" featuring North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un on social media. The pictures were later pulled down after the users received heavy backlash on local media. Following the backlash, many South Korean stores also discontinued the sale of the masks. The facial masks featuring the North Korean leader were created by 5149, a South Korean fashion and cosmetics company, and were sold for 4,000 won (£2.80), a report said. In an interview with the New York Times, the firm's chief executive Kwak Hyeon-Ju said the masks were made to celebrate the "once in a lifetime" Korean summits held earlier this year. The leaders of the two countries held a historic meet this year in April over denuclearisation. The North Korea leader Kim Jong Un, in one of the historic move, crossed the southern border to hold a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-In. The meeting which was held after over a decade aimed to turn the DMZ - long a symbol of tension and division - into a “peace zone.”

South Korea firm sells mask featuring North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, faces backlash

In Pics: In a first, Korean soldiers cross border peacefully

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three North Korean officials as it called the regime's human rights record among the world's worst, in an abrupt shift from <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-will-grant-kim-jong-uns-wishes-after-denuclearisation-south-korea-president-181032">President Donald Trump</a>'s efforts to woo the regime.

In actions required by Congress, the Trump administration said it would seize any US assets of Choe Ryong Hae, described as the right-hand man of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-activity-at-north-korean-missile-base-report-181786">leader Kim Jong Un</a>, and two others over their roles in suppression of freedom of speech.

"Standing up for such rights and freedoms is a foreign policy priority that represents the best traditions of the United States," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said.

"Human rights abuses in North Korea remain among the worst in the world and include extrajudicial killings, forced labour, torture, prolonged arbitrary detention, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence," he said.

The State Department is required by a 2016 law to produce a report on North Korean human rights for Congress twice a year.

But its submission on Monday -- International Human Rights Day -- was the first since October 2017 as Trump championed diplomacy with North Korea that focused squarely on its nuclear program.

"The United States has consistently condemned the North Korean regime for its flagrant and egregious abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and this administration will continue to take action against human rights abusers around the globe," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement announcing the sanctions.

Trump, however, has openly played down human rights concerns when preserving relationships with allies, notably Saudi Arabia.

The sanctions will seize any assets of the three officials in the United States and ban any US-based financial transactions with them.

Such restrictions may have little impact on officials in one of the world's most closed countries but will have a clear symbolic force as North Korea seeks greater acceptance by the United States.

Kim and Trump held the first-of-a-kind summit in June in Singapore as North Korea seeks a historic declaration of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War.

Trump, who saw the summit as a highlight in his foreign affairs record, has said that he and Kim are "in love" and as recently as this month voiced respect for the North Korean leader.

But Trump's hopes of arranging a follow-up summit have been at a standstill, with the North Koreans abruptly calling off a meeting in New York last month with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

North Korea has been insisting on a relaxation of wide-ranging sanctions on the country, while the United States said that the UN Security Council should only ease pressure once Pyongyang takes concrete steps to end its nuclear program.

Choe is a lifetime confidant of Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, and in the past has been described as the effective number-two in controlling the military.

He is often trusted to make foreign trips or deliver high-profile announcements. At a major military parade last year, he warned that North Korea was ready to "beat down enemies with the power of nuclear justice."

When Choe briefly vanished from official media in 2014, North Korea watchers feared he suffered a fate similar to Kim's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, who was executed as a traitor, but Choe quickly re-emerged in prominent roles.

The Treasury Department noted that Choe is head of the ruling Workers Party's Organization and Guidance Department, which enforces ideological discipline and ensures that all officials keep in line.

Another of the officials targeted was Jong Kyong Thaek, the minister of state security, which is in charge of counter-intelligence operations.

The third sanctioned official was Pak Kwang Ho, who is involved in widespread censorship as director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department.

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three North Korean officials as it called the regime's human rights record among the world's worst, in an abrupt shift from President Donald Trump's efforts to woo the regime.

The United States on Monday imposed sanctions on three North Korean officials as it called the regime's human rights record among the world's worst, in an abrupt shift from President Donald Trump's efforts to woo the regime. In actions required by Congress, the Trump administration said it would seize any US assets of Choe Ryong Hae, described as the right-hand man of leader Kim Jong Un, and two others over their roles in suppression of freedom of speech. "Standing up for such rights and freedoms is a foreign policy priority that represents the best traditions of the United States," State Department spokesman Robert Palladino said. "Human rights abuses in North Korea remain among the worst in the world and include extrajudicial killings, forced labour, torture, prolonged arbitrary detention, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence," he said. The State Department is required by a 2016 law to produce a report on North Korean human rights for Congress twice a year. But its submission on Monday -- International Human Rights Day -- was the first since October 2017 as Trump championed diplomacy with North Korea that focused squarely on its nuclear program. "The United States has consistently condemned the North Korean regime for its flagrant and egregious abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and this administration will continue to take action against human rights abusers around the globe," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement announcing the sanctions. Trump, however, has openly played down human rights concerns when preserving relationships with allies, notably Saudi Arabia. The sanctions will seize any assets of the three officials in the United States and ban any US-based financial transactions with them. Such restrictions may have little impact on officials in one of the world's most closed countries but will have a clear symbolic force as North Korea seeks greater acceptance by the United States. Kim and Trump held the first-of-a-kind summit in June in Singapore as North Korea seeks a historic declaration of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. Trump, who saw the summit as a highlight in his foreign affairs record, has said that he and Kim are "in love" and as recently as this month voiced respect for the North Korean leader. But Trump's hopes of arranging a follow-up summit have been at a standstill, with the North Koreans abruptly calling off a meeting in New York last month with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. North Korea has been insisting on a relaxation of wide-ranging sanctions on the country, while the United States said that the UN Security Council should only ease pressure once Pyongyang takes concrete steps to end its nuclear program. Choe is a lifetime confidant of Kim's father, Kim Jong Il, and in the past has been described as the effective number-two in controlling the military. He is often trusted to make foreign trips or deliver high-profile announcements. At a major military parade last year, he warned that North Korea was ready to "beat down enemies with the power of nuclear justice." When Choe briefly vanished from official media in 2014, North Korea watchers feared he suffered a fate similar to Kim's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, who was executed as a traitor, but Choe quickly re-emerged in prominent roles. The Treasury Department noted that Choe is head of the ruling Workers Party's Organization and Guidance Department, which enforces ideological discipline and ensures that all officials keep in line. Another of the officials targeted was Jong Kyong Thaek, the minister of state security, which is in charge of counter-intelligence operations. The third sanctioned official was Pak Kwang Ho, who is involved in widespread censorship as director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department.

US sanctions top Kim aides over North Korea human rights record

Lined up in vividly-coloured costumes, make-up and bright smiles, the children of the Sinuiju City Kindergarten belted out the finale of their hour-long show, "We Cannot Live Without You, Father" -- an ode to Kim Jong Un.

The five- and six-year-olds' previous number, "The Voice of My Heart", lauded the Workers' Party of Korea, which has ruled the North since the country's 1948 foundation.

Their musicianship was remarkable and the hour-long performance featured singing footballing girls -- North Korea is a power in the women's game -- and drumming boys in blue waistcoats, interspersed with political messages.

Songs included "We have Nothing to Envy" and two more titled "Our Country is the Best" or similar.

From an early age North Korean children are taught to revere the country's rulers.

A mural of its founder Kim Il Sung and his son and successor Kim Jong Il surrounded by adoring youngsters stands in the entrance of the kindergarten in Sinuiju, on the border with China.

The two men are referred to as the Great Leaders and their portraits gaze down from the wall of every classroom, home and office in the country.

The incumbent Kim Jong Un, the third generation of the family to take charge of the country, is known as the Supreme Leader.

"From a young age we educate the children to know about our great leaders and the supreme leader," said the kindergarten's principal Kang Sun Hui.

"The most important thing is that the children know and admire the party, the leader and the nation, and we attach the greatest significance to loyalty."

The Sinuiju kindergarten is a showpiece establishment that teaches art and calligraphy as well as music, and exemplary discipline.

Once North Korean children reach school, "revolutionary studies" are a key part of the curriculum.

They start with two hours a week on the childhoods of the elder Kims and two years later, Kim Jong Suk, the wife of Kim Il Sung and mother of Kim Jong Il, joins the pantheon.

By the final year of school, around a fifth of the school week is devoted to the subject.

But the core lessons are learned early.

Out of 750 youngsters at the kindergarten, 39 were chosen to take part in this year's Mass Games, the North's all-singing, all-dancing propaganda display, undergoing months of intense training in Pyongyang.

Kim Jong Un saw the show six times during its run, accompanied once by the South's democratically-elected President Moon Jae-in, who has brokered talks between Pyongyang and Washington.

"The children were so happy when the Supreme Leader was watching they cried as they performed," Kang said. "Afterwards they said, 'I saw our father, our Supreme Leader' and cried tears of joy."

&nbsp;

Lined up in vividly-coloured costumes, make-up and bright smiles, the children of the Sinuiju City Kindergarten belted out the finale of their hour-long show, "We Cannot Live Without You, Father" -- an ode to Kim Jong Un.

Lined up in vividly-coloured costumes, make-up and bright smiles, the children of the Sinuiju City Kindergarten belted out the finale of their hour-long show, "We Cannot Live Without You, Father" -- an ode to Kim Jong Un. The five- and six-year-olds' previous number, "The Voice of My Heart", lauded the Workers' Party of Korea, which has ruled the North since the country's 1948 foundation. Their musicianship was remarkable and the hour-long performance featured singing footballing girls -- North Korea is a power in the women's game -- and drumming boys in blue waistcoats, interspersed with political messages. Songs included "We have Nothing to Envy" and two more titled "Our Country is the Best" or similar. From an early age North Korean children are taught to revere the country's rulers. A mural of its founder Kim Il Sung and his son and successor Kim Jong Il surrounded by adoring youngsters stands in the entrance of the kindergarten in Sinuiju, on the border with China. The two men are referred to as the Great Leaders and their portraits gaze down from the wall of every classroom, home and office in the country. The incumbent Kim Jong Un, the third generation of the family to take charge of the country, is known as the Supreme Leader. "From a young age we educate the children to know about our great leaders and the supreme leader," said the kindergarten's principal Kang Sun Hui. "The most important thing is that the children know and admire the party, the leader and the nation, and we attach the greatest significance to loyalty." The Sinuiju kindergarten is a showpiece establishment that teaches art and calligraphy as well as music, and exemplary discipline. Once North Korean children reach school, "revolutionary studies" are a key part of the curriculum. They start with two hours a week on the childhoods of the elder Kims and two years later, Kim Jong Suk, the wife of Kim Il Sung and mother of Kim Jong Il, joins the pantheon. By the final year of school, around a fifth of the school week is devoted to the subject. But the core lessons are learned early. Out of 750 youngsters at the kindergarten, 39 were chosen to take part in this year's Mass Games, the North's all-singing, all-dancing propaganda display, undergoing months of intense training in Pyongyang. Kim Jong Un saw the show six times during its run, accompanied once by the South's democratically-elected President Moon Jae-in, who has brokered talks between Pyongyang and Washington. "The children were so happy when the Supreme Leader was watching they cried as they performed," Kang said. "Afterwards they said, 'I saw our father, our Supreme Leader' and cried tears of joy."

Lyrics of loyalty for North Korea's children

South Korea's Unification Ministry, responsible for inter-Korean affairs, has seen its standing wax and wane along with relations between the still officially warring neighbours.

The ministry returned to prominence this year after three summits between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended with pledges to defuse military tensions, restart economic cooperation and formally end the 1950-53 Korean War.&nbsp;

But those efforts have placed the ministry in a bind, with Washington wary of rapid progress between the two Koreas that may undermine international sanctions and efforts to dismantle the North`s nuclear and missile programmes.&nbsp;

Here is a summary of the ministry`s history, mission and how its work has evolved in line with changes in domestic political tides and diplomatic dynamics.&nbsp;

ONE OF A KIND

The South`s full-fledged Unification Ministry is the only one of its kind in the world, with its northern counterpart being the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country.&nbsp;

Amid fears Pyongyang might forcibly reunify the peninsula, former military dictator Park Chung-hee created the ministry`s 45-strong precursor in 1969, at the height of the Cold War, as a public propaganda body against the North.&nbsp;

Research papers issued by the agency in 1969 included "Communist forces and their strategy in Far East," "The North Korean puppet regime`s Japan policy" and "Communist China`s Asia policy and Korea reunification," the National Archives of Korea show.&nbsp;

An educational video distributed by the agency in 1972 explores how to utilise North Korean defectors in the South and pro-Pyongyang Korean residents in Japan for "psychological warfare" against the North.

"For the Park regime, unification was a good excuse to heighten wariness against the North and justify its military rule," said Chung Se-hyun, who joined the ministry in 1977 and served as minister from 2002 to 2004.

HEYDAY AND DECLINE

As relations thawed in the early 1970s, the unification agency`s role evolved to include cross-border dialogue and exchanges.

The ministry expanded its duties in the 1990s, studying human rights abuses in North Korea and helping resettle defectors who fled amid a devastating famine in the mid-1990s.

The ministry`s heyday came under liberal presidents Kim Dae-jung, who upgraded its status to full-fledged ministry in 1998, and his successor Roh Moo-hyun.&nbsp;

It played a pivotal role when Kim and Roh met with North Korea`s late leader Kim Jong Il, for summits in 2000 and 2007 respectively, in Pyongyang. Staffing grew to 550 by 2007.

But a series of incidents and attacks and the North`s pursuit of nuclear-armed missiles, followed by international sanctions and the halt of joint economic projects, saw the ministry`s influence wane.&nbsp;

In 2008, newly elected conservative president Lee Myung-bak cut staff by 15 per cent. In 2016, his conservative successor Park Geun-hye, shut down the Kaesong joint industrial park in the North, the last remaining symbol of inter-Korean rapprochement.

NEW WIND AND DILEMMA

Moon, a former chief of staff to Roh and who prepared him for the 2007 inter-Korean summit, took office in May 2017 vowing to restore dialogue.&nbsp;

Moon wants to build an inter-Korean economic community, under a multibillion-dollar "New Korean Peninsula Economic Map". It envisions joint industrial zones and transportation links, including by reopening the Kaesong factory park and resuming tours to the North`s Mount Kumkang resort.&nbsp;

Moon`s reconciliation policy has given a renewed sense of purpose to the 560-strong ministry, but at the same time posed a dilemma over how to proceed with inter-Korean initiatives while advancing nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington.&nbsp;

Kim Jong Un vowed to work towards denuclearisation in his June summit with US President Donald Trump, but the two countries have since failed to agree on a specific timeline or concrete steps to reach that goal in their subsequent negotiations.&nbsp;

South Korea's Unification Ministry, responsible for inter-Korean affairs, has seen its standing wax and wane along with relations between the still officially warring neighbours.

South Korea's Unification Ministry, responsible for inter-Korean affairs, has seen its standing wax and wane along with relations between the still officially warring neighbours. The ministry returned to prominence this year after three summits between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ended with pledges to defuse military tensions, restart economic cooperation and formally end the 1950-53 Korean War. But those efforts have placed the ministry in a bind, with Washington wary of rapid progress between the two Koreas that may undermine international sanctions and efforts to dismantle the North`s nuclear and missile programmes. Here is a summary of the ministry`s history, mission and how its work has evolved in line with changes in domestic political tides and diplomatic dynamics. ONE OF A KIND The South`s full-fledged Unification Ministry is the only one of its kind in the world, with its northern counterpart being the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country. Amid fears Pyongyang might forcibly reunify the peninsula, former military dictator Park Chung-hee created the ministry`s 45-strong precursor in 1969, at the height of the Cold War, as a public propaganda body against the North. Research papers issued by the agency in 1969 included "Communist forces and their strategy in Far East," "The North Korean puppet regime`s Japan policy" and "Communist China`s Asia policy and Korea reunification," the National Archives of Korea show. An educational video distributed by the agency in 1972 explores how to utilise North Korean defectors in the South and pro-Pyongyang Korean residents in Japan for "psychological warfare" against the North. "For the Park regime, unification was a good excuse to heighten wariness against the North and justify its military rule," said Chung Se-hyun, who joined the ministry in 1977 and served as minister from 2002 to 2004. HEYDAY AND DECLINE As relations thawed in the early 1970s, the unification agency`s role evolved to include cross-border dialogue and exchanges. The ministry expanded its duties in the 1990s, studying human rights abuses in North Korea and helping resettle defectors who fled amid a devastating famine in the mid-1990s. The ministry`s heyday came under liberal presidents Kim Dae-jung, who upgraded its status to full-fledged ministry in 1998, and his successor Roh Moo-hyun. It played a pivotal role when Kim and Roh met with North Korea`s late leader Kim Jong Il, for summits in 2000 and 2007 respectively, in Pyongyang. Staffing grew to 550 by 2007. But a series of incidents and attacks and the North`s pursuit of nuclear-armed missiles, followed by international sanctions and the halt of joint economic projects, saw the ministry`s influence wane. In 2008, newly elected conservative president Lee Myung-bak cut staff by 15 per cent. In 2016, his conservative successor Park Geun-hye, shut down the Kaesong joint industrial park in the North, the last remaining symbol of inter-Korean rapprochement. NEW WIND AND DILEMMA Moon, a former chief of staff to Roh and who prepared him for the 2007 inter-Korean summit, took office in May 2017 vowing to restore dialogue. Moon wants to build an inter-Korean economic community, under a multibillion-dollar "New Korean Peninsula Economic Map". It envisions joint industrial zones and transportation links, including by reopening the Kaesong factory park and resuming tours to the North`s Mount Kumkang resort. Moon`s reconciliation policy has given a renewed sense of purpose to the 560-strong ministry, but at the same time posed a dilemma over how to proceed with inter-Korean initiatives while advancing nuclear talks between Pyongyang and Washington. Kim Jong Un vowed to work towards denuclearisation in his June summit with US President Donald Trump, but the two countries have since failed to agree on a specific timeline or concrete steps to reach that goal in their subsequent negotiations.

Explainer: South Korea's unique Unification Ministry has thorny task of handling ties with North

The two Koreas on Friday began a joint feasibility survey to assess the situation for upgrading and possibly reconnecting its railway lines across the border.

A South Korean train with a dozen engineers and officials on board travelled across the border to begin the evaluation of some 1,200 kilometres (745.6 miles) long railway line in North Korea that will go on until December 17, according to a note sent to the media by the small group of journalists travelling on board.

The six-car convoy departed from Dorasan Station, a few kilometers south of the border, and headed to Panmun Station in the north, near Kaesong City.

The project was launched after the UN Security Council a few days ago granted an exemption from sanctions against the North Korean regime for its testing of weapons of mass destruction.

This exemption allows the shipment of fuel and other materials to the North, enabling the study, which is normally prohibited by Security Council resolutions.

The survey is the result of an agreement signed by the two Koreas, two countries that are still technically at war since the 1950s, during the first summit of their current leaders held in April.

Apart from assisting in upgrading the North Korean stretch, the project seeks to boost the reconnection of railways across the border provided the sanctions imposed on Pyongyang -which is in talks with Washington to negotiate dismantling of its arsenal of weapons - is lifted in future.

The current feasibility study is the second to be carried out by the two Koreas after a similar one in 2007, which allowed freight trains to run between the two countries for a year before the cooling of the bilateral relationship forced the tracks to be disconnected again at the border.

The two Koreas on Friday began a joint feasibility survey to assess the situation for upgrading and possibly reconnecting its railway lines across the border. A South Korean train with a dozen engineers and officials on board travelled across the border to begin the evaluation of some 1,200 kilometres (745.

The two Koreas on Friday began a joint feasibility survey to assess the situation for upgrading and possibly reconnecting its railway lines across the border. A South Korean train with a dozen engineers and officials on board travelled across the border to begin the evaluation of some 1,200 kilometres (745.6 miles) long railway line in North Korea that will go on until December 17, according to a note sent to the media by the small group of journalists travelling on board. The six-car convoy departed from Dorasan Station, a few kilometers south of the border, and headed to Panmun Station in the north, near Kaesong City. The project was launched after the UN Security Council a few days ago granted an exemption from sanctions against the North Korean regime for its testing of weapons of mass destruction. This exemption allows the shipment of fuel and other materials to the North, enabling the study, which is normally prohibited by Security Council resolutions. The survey is the result of an agreement signed by the two Koreas, two countries that are still technically at war since the 1950s, during the first summit of their current leaders held in April. Apart from assisting in upgrading the North Korean stretch, the project seeks to boost the reconnection of railways across the border provided the sanctions imposed on Pyongyang -which is in talks with Washington to negotiate dismantling of its arsenal of weapons - is lifted in future. The current feasibility study is the second to be carried out by the two Koreas after a similar one in 2007, which allowed freight trains to run between the two countries for a year before the cooling of the bilateral relationship forced the tracks to be disconnected again at the border.

Two Koreas begin survey for possible railway reconnection across border

The South Korean Presidential Office on Tuesday released video and photographs of President Moon Jae-in showing off the newly born puppies of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs that were received as a gift.

The puppies were first unveiled by the Blue House on November 25 in photographs showing Moon and First Lady Kim Jung-sook playing with the puppies.

The puppies were mothered by Gomi, part of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs given by the North's leader Kim Jong Un to Moon in September -- the latest sign of a dramatic thaw in relations between the Korean rivals.

Moon and Kim held their third meeting this year in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in mid-September, when Kim proposed the idea of the canine presents, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement on Sunday.

The Pungsan breed, named after a North Korean county, is known for its loyalty and skills for hunting. It is designated as a North Korean "natural monument" animal.

The South Korean Presidential Office on Tuesday released video and photographs of President Moon Jae-in showing off the newly born puppies of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs that were received as a gift.

The South Korean Presidential Office on Tuesday released video and photographs of President Moon Jae-in showing off the newly born puppies of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs that were received as a gift. The puppies were first unveiled by the Blue House on November 25 in photographs showing Moon and First Lady Kim Jung-sook playing with the puppies. The puppies were mothered by Gomi, part of a pair of white North Korean Pungsan dogs given by the North's leader Kim Jong Un to Moon in September -- the latest sign of a dramatic thaw in relations between the Korean rivals. Moon and Kim held their third meeting this year in the North Korean capital of Pyongyang in mid-September, when Kim proposed the idea of the canine presents, the South Korean presidential Blue House said in a statement on Sunday. The Pungsan breed, named after a North Korean county, is known for its loyalty and skills for hunting. It is designated as a North Korean "natural monument" animal.

Puppy diplomacy: Dogs gifted by North Korea gives birth in the South

Intelligence agencies have arrested a senior French civil servant on suspicion of spying for North Korea, a judicial source in Paris said.

Benoit Quennedey, the president of the Franco-Korean Friendship Association who has a written book on the isolated nation, was placed in custody on Sunday.

The Paris prosecutor was investigating him over the "collection and delivery of information to a foreign power likely to undermine the fundamental interests of the nation", said a judicial source on Monday.

Investigators from France's DGSI domestic intelligence agency are looking into whether Quennedey provided information to Pyongyang, the source said.

Daily television show Quotidien reported that his Senate office had been raided. The inquiry began in March.

According to the Senate website, Quennedey is a senior administrator in France's upper house of parliament in the department of architecture, heritage and gardens.&nbsp;

He has written frequent articles on North Korea and travelled extensively throughout the peninsula, according to the website of his publisher Delga.&nbsp;

The Franco-Korean Friendship Association pushes for closer ties with North Korea and supports the reunification of the divided Koreas.

North Korea under Kim Jong Un is under strict economic sanctions aimed at forcing the regime to abandon its nuclear missile programme.

Ties with the South and the United States have improved markedly since Kim and US President Donald Trump held a historic summit in Singapore in June but the US is still pushing to maintain sanctions until Pyongyang's "final, fully verified denuclearisation".

In an interview posted on YouTube in August, Quennedey welcomed the easing of tensions.

The president of the Senate declined to comment to AFP.

Intelligence agencies have arrested a senior French civil servant on suspicion of spying for North Korea, a judicial source in Paris said. Benoit Quennedey, the president of the Franco-Korean Friendship Association who has a written book on the isolated nation, was placed in custody on Sunday.

Intelligence agencies have arrested a senior French civil servant on suspicion of spying for North Korea, a judicial source in Paris said. Benoit Quennedey, the president of the Franco-Korean Friendship Association who has a written book on the isolated nation, was placed in custody on Sunday. The Paris prosecutor was investigating him over the "collection and delivery of information to a foreign power likely to undermine the fundamental interests of the nation", said a judicial source on Monday. Investigators from France's DGSI domestic intelligence agency are looking into whether Quennedey provided information to Pyongyang, the source said. Daily television show Quotidien reported that his Senate office had been raided. The inquiry began in March. According to the Senate website, Quennedey is a senior administrator in France's upper house of parliament in the department of architecture, heritage and gardens. He has written frequent articles on North Korea and travelled extensively throughout the peninsula, according to the website of his publisher Delga. The Franco-Korean Friendship Association pushes for closer ties with North Korea and supports the reunification of the divided Koreas. North Korea under Kim Jong Un is under strict economic sanctions aimed at forcing the regime to abandon its nuclear missile programme. Ties with the South and the United States have improved markedly since Kim and US President Donald Trump held a historic summit in Singapore in June but the US is still pushing to maintain sanctions until Pyongyang's "final, fully verified denuclearisation". In an interview posted on YouTube in August, Quennedey welcomed the easing of tensions. The president of the Senate declined to comment to AFP.

French Senate official arrested for 'North Korea spying': Report

Intelligence agencies have arrested a senior French civil servant who worked at the French Senate on suspicion of passing confidential information to the dictatorial regime of North Korea, a judicial source told.

Benoit Quennedey, who is also the president of the Franco-Korean Friendship Association and has written a book on the isolated nation, was taken into custody late Sunday, the source in Paris said late Monday.

After an inquiry which began in March, prosecutors suspect him of the "collection and delivery of information to a foreign power likely to undermine the fundamental interests of the nation", the source said.

Quennedey is being held at the headquarters of France's DGSI domestic intelligence agency outside Paris.

The French news and talk show Le Quotidien, which first reported the story, said he was arrested at his home and his Senate office had been searched.

According to the Senate website, Quennedey is a senior administrator in France's upper house of parliament in the department of architecture, heritage and gardens, in charge of administration and finances.

The office of the Senate president, Gerard Larcher, declined to comment. 
Quennedey has written frequent articles on North Korea and travelled extensively throughout the peninsula since 2005, according to the website of his publisher Delga.

Last year Delga published Quennedey's latest work, "North Korea, The Unknown."

The Franco-Korean Friendship Association, formed in the late 1960s by journalists sympathetic to Socialist and Communist causes, pushes for closer ties with Pyongyang and supports the reunification of the divided Koreas.

'ON THE RIGHT TRACK'&nbsp;

Quennedey attended France's elite Sciences Po university as well as the ENA school which produces its top civil servants and political leaders. 
In 2013 he wrote "North Korea's Economy: Birth of a New Asian Dragon?", despite years of strict international sanctions aimed at forcing the country to abandon its nuclear missile programme.

In regular interviews with RT France, part of Moscow's Russia Today network, Quennedey is presented as an "expert in international relations" and comments on Korean relations and other subjects.

North Korea has been a pariah of the international community for decades over its refusal to give up its nuclear weapons programme.

Sanctions have crippled its economy, and the UN estimates that some 10.3 million people, or 41 per cent of North Korea's population, are undernourished -- even as neighbouring South Korea's economy flourishes.

But hopes of a breakthrough were sparked last June when US&nbsp;President Donald Trump met with regime leader Kim Jong Un for a historic summit meeting in Singapore when both men vowed to improve relations and Kim indicated he would abandon the nuclear work.

But progress since then has been patchy, and Washington is still pushing to maintain sanctions until Pyongyang's "final, fully verified denuclearisation".

Researchers have accused the regime of using undeclared bases to hide nuclear-capable missiles, while Pyongyang's state media reported this month that the country had developed an unspecified "ultramodern tactical weapon".

Intelligence agencies have arrested a senior French civil servant who worked at the French Senate on suspicion of passing confidential information to the dictatorial regime of North Korea, a judicial source told.

Intelligence agencies have arrested a senior French civil servant who worked at the French Senate on suspicion of passing confidential information to the dictatorial regime of North Korea, a judicial source told. Benoit Quennedey, who is also the president of the Franco-Korean Friendship Association and has written a book on the isolated nation, was taken into custody late Sunday, the source in Paris said late Monday. After an inquiry which began in March, prosecutors suspect him of the "collection and delivery of information to a foreign power likely to undermine the fundamental interests of the nation", the source said. Quennedey is being held at the headquarters of France's DGSI domestic intelligence agency outside Paris. The French news and talk show Le Quotidien, which first reported the story, said he was arrested at his home and his Senate office had been searched. According to the Senate website, Quennedey is a senior administrator in France's upper house of parliament in the department of architecture, heritage and gardens, in charge of administration and finances. The office of the Senate president, Gerard Larcher, declined to comment. Quennedey has written frequent articles on North Korea and travelled extensively throughout the peninsula since 2005, according to the website of his publisher Delga. Last year Delga published Quennedey's latest work, "North Korea, The Unknown." The Franco-Korean Friendship Association, formed in the late 1960s by journalists sympathetic to Socialist and Communist causes, pushes for closer ties with Pyongyang and supports the reunification of the divided Koreas. 'ON THE RIGHT TRACK' Quennedey attended France's elite Sciences Po university as well as the ENA school which produces its top civil servants and political leaders. In 2013 he wrote "North Korea's Economy: Birth of a New Asian Dragon?", despite years of strict international sanctions aimed at forcing the country to abandon its nuclear missile programme. In regular interviews with RT France, part of Moscow's Russia Today network, Quennedey is presented as an "expert in international relations" and comments on Korean relations and other subjects. North Korea has been a pariah of the international community for decades over its refusal to give up its nuclear weapons programme. Sanctions have crippled its economy, and the UN estimates that some 10.3 million people, or 41 per cent of North Korea's population, are undernourished -- even as neighbouring South Korea's economy flourishes. But hopes of a breakthrough were sparked last June when US President Donald Trump met with regime leader Kim Jong Un for a historic summit meeting in Singapore when both men vowed to improve relations and Kim indicated he would abandon the nuclear work. But progress since then has been patchy, and Washington is still pushing to maintain sanctions until Pyongyang's "final, fully verified denuclearisation". Researchers have accused the regime of using undeclared bases to hide nuclear-capable missiles, while Pyongyang's state media reported this month that the country had developed an unspecified "ultramodern tactical weapon".

French Senate official arrested on charges of spying for North Korea

Watch: WION Your Story, 23rd November, 2018

WION Dispatch: North, South Korea connect road across demilitarised zone

A year of warming relations between North and South Korea has raised the prospects of closer ties, if not some form of unification for the still-warring neighbours far in the future. But it might not be obvious in a typical South Korean classroom.&nbsp;

"I really don't know anything," 17-year-old student Roh Ha-na said. "It`s like only twice a year that the school teaches about unification and national security, and about North Korean life... but I just let most of it go in one ear and out the other."This year`s inter-Korean détente has highlighted what many observers see as a lack of knowledge among South Koreans about their northern neighbour, prompting government efforts to revamp the way South Koreans learn about North Korea and unification.

Baek Jun-kee, the head of South Korea's Institute for Unification Education says current education methods have failed to show young South Koreans the importance of a nuanced understanding of North Korea, its people and leader Kim Jong Un.

"If we don't approach the issue in a rational manner or show how the issue affects (students') personal lives in middle school or high school, it will be difficult to keep their attention," Baek told Reuters in an interview.

The education shortcomings are contributing to a shortage of North Korea experts across public and private institutions at a time when increased cultural and governmental exchanges between the two Koreas make them all the more important, analysts say.

"Every regional government has rolled out plans for inter-Korean exchange, but they don`t have any experts, no knowledge, no networks," said Hong Min, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification. "When the heads of South Korean conglomerates went along to the September Pyongyang summit, most of them didn`t have an in-house North Korea expert to brief the chief."

After facing criticism at a parliamentary hearing earlier this month over funding cuts to education programmes, Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon told lawmakers creating a new curriculum on unification was "crucial and urgent".

"Waste of time"

Cut off from the North for 70 years and still technically at war after their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce not a peace treaty, many South Koreans have come to see unification as an increasingly distant and unrealistic goal.

Surveys show younger generations of South Koreans are particularly ignorant or apathetic about their northern neighbours, seeing them as a troublesome distraction from the more pressing concerns of work or school.

Interviews with 17 high school students revealed most had never heard of the `parallel progress` policy key to North Korean affairs this decade. Most didn`t know about the growth of private markets that has transformed many areas of North Korea`s economy.&nbsp;

"I've never heard about these North Korean issues in school, aside from learning about the Korean War in history class," said Moon So-in, a 17-year-old student at Sunil Girls` High School.&nbsp; 
"My friends don`t seem very interested since we are so used to being a divided country."&nbsp;

Education in South Korea is focused on competing for college entrance, culminating in high-pressure nationwide exams in the last year of high school, on which students stake their futures.

North Korea is "not on the test," students and teachers said, and is therefore seen as a "waste of precious time," said high school teacher Choi Ki-bok.

Generally, North Korea is addressed in a single chapter once a year in 4th and 6th grade, briefly in middle school and once in high school, two teachers said.

In higher education, meanwhile, five out of six North Korean studies departments at South Korean universities have been shut down or changed into other programmes in recent years, in part because of a lack of applicants.&nbsp;

Sparking debate

In North Korea, the South appears to be discussed more often in schools. As well as propaganda, North Korean defectors say they were taught minute details about the South.

"I was taught South Korean geography down to what minerals and grains are produced in each region, history that happened on South Korean soil," said Park Na-ri, a North Korean defector educator who taught Korean and literature in Pyongyang and now teaches defector children in Seoul.&nbsp;

"I was shocked to find South Koreans know much less about where anything in North Korea is," she said, noting that ignorance can lead to a lack of empathy for North Koreans.

Five South Korean educators interviewed by Reuters said teachers don`t feel equipped to navigate the thorny issue of North Korea, which in the words of one high school teacher is "an enemy, a long-lost brother, and a separate country sharing a border, depending on who you ask".&nbsp;

The Institute for Unification Education, which oversees all lower education on North Korea, says it is setting up the first-ever year-long training programmes for teachers to learn how to teach North Korea.

That will include a shift away from rote teaching on unification as a given to a more flexible approach focused more on the goal of peace and designed to spark discussions among students.

This year, the 91-page "Unification Education Guidelines" was cut down to 48 pages and renamed "Unification and Peace Education, Directions and Viewpoints", mirroring President Moon Jae-in`s argument that reaching peace with North Korea is a more pressing and realistic goal than full unification.

A year of warming relations between North and South Korea has raised the prospects of closer ties, if not some form of unification for the still-warring neighbours far in the future.

A year of warming relations between North and South Korea has raised the prospects of closer ties, if not some form of unification for the still-warring neighbours far in the future. But it might not be obvious in a typical South Korean classroom. "I really don't know anything," 17-year-old student Roh Ha-na said. "It`s like only twice a year that the school teaches about unification and national security, and about North Korean life... but I just let most of it go in one ear and out the other."This year`s inter-Korean détente has highlighted what many observers see as a lack of knowledge among South Koreans about their northern neighbour, prompting government efforts to revamp the way South Koreans learn about North Korea and unification. Baek Jun-kee, the head of South Korea's Institute for Unification Education says current education methods have failed to show young South Koreans the importance of a nuanced understanding of North Korea, its people and leader Kim Jong Un. "If we don't approach the issue in a rational manner or show how the issue affects (students') personal lives in middle school or high school, it will be difficult to keep their attention," Baek told Reuters in an interview. The education shortcomings are contributing to a shortage of North Korea experts across public and private institutions at a time when increased cultural and governmental exchanges between the two Koreas make them all the more important, analysts say. "Every regional government has rolled out plans for inter-Korean exchange, but they don`t have any experts, no knowledge, no networks," said Hong Min, a research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification. "When the heads of South Korean conglomerates went along to the September Pyongyang summit, most of them didn`t have an in-house North Korea expert to brief the chief." After facing criticism at a parliamentary hearing earlier this month over funding cuts to education programmes, Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon told lawmakers creating a new curriculum on unification was "crucial and urgent". "Waste of time" Cut off from the North for 70 years and still technically at war after their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce not a peace treaty, many South Koreans have come to see unification as an increasingly distant and unrealistic goal. Surveys show younger generations of South Koreans are particularly ignorant or apathetic about their northern neighbours, seeing them as a troublesome distraction from the more pressing concerns of work or school. Interviews with 17 high school students revealed most had never heard of the `parallel progress` policy key to North Korean affairs this decade. Most didn`t know about the growth of private markets that has transformed many areas of North Korea`s economy. "I've never heard about these North Korean issues in school, aside from learning about the Korean War in history class," said Moon So-in, a 17-year-old student at Sunil Girls` High School. "My friends don`t seem very interested since we are so used to being a divided country." Education in South Korea is focused on competing for college entrance, culminating in high-pressure nationwide exams in the last year of high school, on which students stake their futures. North Korea is "not on the test," students and teachers said, and is therefore seen as a "waste of precious time," said high school teacher Choi Ki-bok. Generally, North Korea is addressed in a single chapter once a year in 4th and 6th grade, briefly in middle school and once in high school, two teachers said. In higher education, meanwhile, five out of six North Korean studies departments at South Korean universities have been shut down or changed into other programmes in recent years, in part because of a lack of applicants. Sparking debate In North Korea, the South appears to be discussed more often in schools. As well as propaganda, North Korean defectors say they were taught minute details about the South. "I was taught South Korean geography down to what minerals and grains are produced in each region, history that happened on South Korean soil," said Park Na-ri, a North Korean defector educator who taught Korean and literature in Pyongyang and now teaches defector children in Seoul. "I was shocked to find South Koreans know much less about where anything in North Korea is," she said, noting that ignorance can lead to a lack of empathy for North Koreans. Five South Korean educators interviewed by Reuters said teachers don`t feel equipped to navigate the thorny issue of North Korea, which in the words of one high school teacher is "an enemy, a long-lost brother, and a separate country sharing a border, depending on who you ask". The Institute for Unification Education, which oversees all lower education on North Korea, says it is setting up the first-ever year-long training programmes for teachers to learn how to teach North Korea. That will include a shift away from rote teaching on unification as a given to a more flexible approach focused more on the goal of peace and designed to spark discussions among students. This year, the 91-page "Unification Education Guidelines" was cut down to 48 pages and renamed "Unification and Peace Education, Directions and Viewpoints", mirroring President Moon Jae-in`s argument that reaching peace with North Korea is a more pressing and realistic goal than full unification.

Kim Jong Who? South Korea revamps the way students study North Korea

North and South Korea have connected a road across their shared border for the first time in 14 years, Seoul's defence ministry said Thursday in the latest reconciliation gesture between the neighbours.

The dirt road, which is wholly within the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, will be used for joint operations next year to recover remains from the 1950-53 Korean War.

The 12-metre-wide construction of the route in Cheorwon, near the mid-point of the DMZ, is one of several steps agreed at the Pyongyang summit between the South's President Moon Jae-in and the North's leader Kim Jong Un in September.

The neighbours also pledged to remove bunkers and weapons from the border truce village of Panmunjom.

But Seoul and Washington are pursuing increasingly different approaches to the nuclear-armed North.

The dovish Moon has pursued a policy of engagement with his isolated neighbour, while the US insists pressure should be maintained on Pyongyang until it denuclearises.

Pictures handed out by Seoul's defence ministry Thursday showed a South Korean soldier and a North Korean counterpart taking part in the "recent" roadworks holding their hands out toward each other, with their colleagues watching.

"It is historically significant for the North and the South to open a new passage and jointly engage in operations to recover remains of war dead at the place which saw the worst battles during the war," the ministry said.

Despite its name the area around the DMZ is one of the most fortified places on earth, replete with minefields and barbed-wire fences.

US Secretary of Mike Pompeo stressed this week that Washington wants to "make sure that peace on the peninsula and the denuclearisation of North Korea aren't lagging behind the increase in the amount of inter-relationship between the two Koreas".

North and South Korea have connected a road across their shared border for the first time in 14 years, Seoul's defence ministry said Thursday in the latest reconciliation gesture between the neighbours.

North and South Korea have connected a road across their shared border for the first time in 14 years, Seoul's defence ministry said Thursday in the latest reconciliation gesture between the neighbours. The dirt road, which is wholly within the Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula, will be used for joint operations next year to recover remains from the 1950-53 Korean War. The 12-metre-wide construction of the route in Cheorwon, near the mid-point of the DMZ, is one of several steps agreed at the Pyongyang summit between the South's President Moon Jae-in and the North's leader Kim Jong Un in September. The neighbours also pledged to remove bunkers and weapons from the border truce village of Panmunjom. But Seoul and Washington are pursuing increasingly different approaches to the nuclear-armed North. The dovish Moon has pursued a policy of engagement with his isolated neighbour, while the US insists pressure should be maintained on Pyongyang until it denuclearises. Pictures handed out by Seoul's defence ministry Thursday showed a South Korean soldier and a North Korean counterpart taking part in the "recent" roadworks holding their hands out toward each other, with their colleagues watching. "It is historically significant for the North and the South to open a new passage and jointly engage in operations to recover remains of war dead at the place which saw the worst battles during the war," the ministry said. Despite its name the area around the DMZ is one of the most fortified places on earth, replete with minefields and barbed-wire fences. US Secretary of Mike Pompeo stressed this week that Washington wants to "make sure that peace on the peninsula and the denuclearisation of North Korea aren't lagging behind the increase in the amount of inter-relationship between the two Koreas".

Two Koreas connect DMZ road across border: Seoul

Pyongyang <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-to-release-japanese-tourist-detained-on-suspicion-of-breaking-countrys-law-state-media-161754">blew up 10 guard posts</a> in the Demilitarized Zone Tuesday as the two Koreas pursue a reconciliation drive, even while denuclearisation talks stall between the US and the North.

The move is one of the steps agreed during the Pyongyang summit between the South's President Moon Jae-in and the North's leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in September.

The North told the South that it would blow up the 10 facilities almost simultaneously, Seoul's defence ministry said, adding that Southern soldiers "observed and confirmed the guard posts were completely ruined at the announced time".

Seoul has been tearing down 10 guard posts of its own, mostly using excavators, a defence ministry spokesman said.

The North has more of the facilities - which include both surface structures and underground elements - and according to Yonhap news agency the moves will leave it with around 150 in the area, with the South having about 50.

The dovish Moon has pursued a policy of engagement with its isolated, nuclear-armed neighbour, in increasing contrast to Washington, which insists pressure should be maintained on Pyongyang until it denuclearises.

Despite its name the area around the DMZ is one of the most fortified places on earth, replete with minefields and barbed-wire fences.

But under plans to ease tensions agreed in Pyongyang, the two Koreas are demilitarising the border truce village of Panmunjom, to leave it manned by 35 unarmed personnel from each side.

Officially called the Joint Security Area (JSA), the enclave is the only spot along the 250-kilometre (155-mile) frontier where soldiers from the two Koreas and the US-led UN Command stand face to face.

Pyongyang blew up 10 guard posts in the Demilitarized Zone Tuesday as the two Koreas pursue a reconciliation drive, even while denuclearisation talks stall between the US and the North.

Pyongyang blew up 10 guard posts in the Demilitarized Zone Tuesday as the two Koreas pursue a reconciliation drive, even while denuclearisation talks stall between the US and the North. The move is one of the steps agreed during the Pyongyang summit between the South's President Moon Jae-in and the North's leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang in September. The North told the South that it would blow up the 10 facilities almost simultaneously, Seoul's defence ministry said, adding that Southern soldiers "observed and confirmed the guard posts were completely ruined at the announced time". Seoul has been tearing down 10 guard posts of its own, mostly using excavators, a defence ministry spokesman said. The North has more of the facilities - which include both surface structures and underground elements - and according to Yonhap news agency the moves will leave it with around 150 in the area, with the South having about 50. The dovish Moon has pursued a policy of engagement with its isolated, nuclear-armed neighbour, in increasing contrast to Washington, which insists pressure should be maintained on Pyongyang until it denuclearises. Despite its name the area around the DMZ is one of the most fortified places on earth, replete with minefields and barbed-wire fences. But under plans to ease tensions agreed in Pyongyang, the two Koreas are demilitarising the border truce village of Panmunjom, to leave it manned by 35 unarmed personnel from each side. Officially called the Joint Security Area (JSA), the enclave is the only spot along the 250-kilometre (155-mile) frontier where soldiers from the two Koreas and the US-led UN Command stand face to face.

Watch: North Korea blows up 10 guard posts in demilitarised zone

By John Feffer

Remarkable changes are taking place on the Korean peninsula. The two Koreas are actually starting to demilitarise the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Just in the last couple weeks, they have taken down 22 guard posts, demined the Joint Security Area, and established a no-fly zone about the peninsula’s dividing line. They’ve pulled back from confrontation along their maritime boundary. North Korea has shut down its coastal artillery units and the two sides have discussed a plan to reduce a large number of artillery positions near the border.

One key indicator of the seriousness of these changes: speculators are driving up the price of land near the border on the South Korean side. Even in a slow-motion reunification scenario, this farmland will become increasingly valuable. The two Koreas have also revived plans to reunify economically, step by step. At the third inter-Korean summit, the leaders of the two countries agreed to relink, finally, the railroad and the roads, and to restart the shuttered Kaesong industrial complex, which married North Korean labour with South Korean capital and managerial skills. Also on tap is the resumption of tourism projects that have brought large numbers of South Koreans to select locations in the north.

All of this has been met with deafening silence in the United States. Worse, the big Korea news this week is, once again, about what the perfidious North Koreans are doing to reinforce the Cold War, not dismantle it. But maybe this silence is a good thing.

Much ado about missiles

A new study by Beyond Parallel, a project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC, has made headlines with its revelations of a network of hidden missile bases in North Korea. The report identifies 13 out of 20 undeclared ballistic missile operating bases and, in the first of a projected series, provides considerable detail about one of these at Sakkanmol.

The report confirms what many skeptics have long maintained: North Korea is not serious about dismantling its nuclear complex. NBC’s article on the report includes this ominous quote from retired General Barry McCaffrey: “It looks as if it is a political charade, and it’s a dangerous one. In the short term, North Korea is the most consequential threat to US national security we’re facing.…They have nuclear weapons, they have delivery systems, they are not going to denuclearize. So I think the outcome of all of this is we’re loosening the economic constraints on these people and we’re kidding ourselves.”

That all sounds convincing. Except that all of this news coverage neglects to point out the obvious: North Korea never promised to eliminate its missile program.

The negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have focused on the nuclear complex — just as the negotiations did between Iran and the United States that culminated in the 2015 nuclear deal. Missiles are not nukes. Even if an ultimate deal addresses Pyongyang’s missile program, the two sides are nowhere near signing an agreement. So, North Korea is not violating anything, not going back on its word, not engaging in any kind of charade. It’s not as if the United States has altered its security posture in the region, outside of cancelling a couple military exercises.

Moreover, this missile complex is nothing new. According to the Beyond Parallel report, the base at Sakkanmol hasn’t had any serious upgrade since 2011. True, it’s a secret base. But North Korea hasn’t provided an inventory of its nuclear or missile complex. Secrecy, as anyone in the CIA or NSA can tell you, is an indispensable part of military strategy. For a country that is so clearly outgunned like North Korea, secrecy is one of its asymmetric advantages. Indeed, no one knows if the country can deliver whatever nuclear weapons it might have. The base at Sakkanmol, meanwhile, is for short-range missiles. So, the major target would be South Korea. But the South Korean government is not up in arms over the report. “There is nothing new,” said a government spokesman, since North Korea “has never signed any agreement, any negotiation that makes shutting down missile bases mandatory.”

The Beyond Parallel report contains much useful research. It’s the media coverage of the report that’s problematic. Journalists are missing the real news of the two Koreas dismantling Cold War structures on the peninsula in favour of information that reinforces the narrative that North Korea is ultimately untrustworthy.

How to help Korea 
 
Donald Trump is focused on getting a Nobel Peace Prize for nearly consummating his love affair with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The foreign policy community in Washington — along with the US media and punditry class — is focused on proving itself right that the current peace efforts are a chimaera. Members of Trump’s administration, like National Security Adviser John Bolton, have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. They believe that Trump will eventually realise the folly of his overtures, which will create a policy vacuum that they will rush in to fill with their regime-change strategies.

Don’t expect much of a difference now that the Democrats control the House. The party has roundly criticized Trump’s summitry and has consistently pushed for more sanctions, not fewer. In this dismal context, watching the two Koreas inch incrementally closer together is like sitting in the audience of a performance of Romeo and Juliet. You know the ending, and it’s far from happy. So, is there any way of altering the current script to avoid a tragedy?

Here’s the good news: It wouldn’t take very much to push the US-North Korean negotiations forward. All the Trump administration has to do is offer to reduce some economic sanctions in exchange for a specific ask, for instance, an inventory of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and complex.

This might seem like arms control 101. Unfortunately, the US position has been all or nothing, not give and take. That’s the subtle shift that has to take place before any further, substantial dismantlement of the Cold War on the Korean peninsula can take place. And given the pushback from the foreign policy community, Congress, and even members of Trump’s own administration, this shift will likely have to come from the president himself.

It’s a terrible thing to have to depend on Donald Trump for anything. But if the White House can reduce one of the principal barriers to inter-Korean reconciliation, then Koreans themselves can continue to change the facts on the ground — step by step, without international fanfare — in such a way that outsiders will have to follow the Korean lead rather than the other way around.

By the time journalists have figured everything out what’s going on, perhaps the two Koreas will have managed to end the Cold War, not just rhetorically but physically — and without getting permission from their patrons. Instead of a preemptive attack, it will be preemptive peace. In this chaotic and increasingly frightening world, that will surely be something to celebrate.

(John Feffer is the director of Foreign Policy In Focus at the Institute for Policy Studies)

(This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/asia_pacific/north-korea-south-korea-cold-war-end-asia-pacific-news-16550/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

By John Feffer Remarkable changes are taking place on the Korean peninsula. The two Koreas are actually starting to demilitarise the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Just in the last couple weeks, they have taken down 22 guard posts, demined the Joint Security Area, and established a no-fly zone about the peninsula’s dividing line.

By John Feffer Remarkable changes are taking place on the Korean peninsula. The two Koreas are actually starting to demilitarise the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Just in the last couple weeks, they have taken down 22 guard posts, demined the Joint Security Area, and established a no-fly zone about the peninsula’s dividing line. They’ve pulled back from confrontation along their maritime boundary. North Korea has shut down its coastal artillery units and the two sides have discussed a plan to reduce a large number of artillery positions near the border. One key indicator of the seriousness of these changes: speculators are driving up the price of land near the border on the South Korean side. Even in a slow-motion reunification scenario, this farmland will become increasingly valuable. The two Koreas have also revived plans to reunify economically, step by step. At the third inter-Korean summit, the leaders of the two countries agreed to relink, finally, the railroad and the roads, and to restart the shuttered Kaesong industrial complex, which married North Korean labour with South Korean capital and managerial skills. Also on tap is the resumption of tourism projects that have brought large numbers of South Koreans to select locations in the north. All of this has been met with deafening silence in the United States. Worse, the big Korea news this week is, once again, about what the perfidious North Koreans are doing to reinforce the Cold War, not dismantle it. But maybe this silence is a good thing. Much ado about missiles A new study by Beyond Parallel, a project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC, has made headlines with its revelations of a network of hidden missile bases in North Korea. The report identifies 13 out of 20 undeclared ballistic missile operating bases and, in the first of a projected series, provides considerable detail about one of these at Sakkanmol. The report confirms what many skeptics have long maintained: North Korea is not serious about dismantling its nuclear complex. NBC’s article on the report includes this ominous quote from retired General Barry McCaffrey: “It looks as if it is a political charade, and it’s a dangerous one. In the short term, North Korea is the most consequential threat to US national security we’re facing.…They have nuclear weapons, they have delivery systems, they are not going to denuclearize. So I think the outcome of all of this is we’re loosening the economic constraints on these people and we’re kidding ourselves.” That all sounds convincing. Except that all of this news coverage neglects to point out the obvious: North Korea never promised to eliminate its missile program. The negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have focused on the nuclear complex — just as the negotiations did between Iran and the United States that culminated in the 2015 nuclear deal. Missiles are not nukes. Even if an ultimate deal addresses Pyongyang’s missile program, the two sides are nowhere near signing an agreement. So, North Korea is not violating anything, not going back on its word, not engaging in any kind of charade. It’s not as if the United States has altered its security posture in the region, outside of cancelling a couple military exercises. Moreover, this missile complex is nothing new. According to the Beyond Parallel report, the base at Sakkanmol hasn’t had any serious upgrade since 2011. True, it’s a secret base. But North Korea hasn’t provided an inventory of its nuclear or missile complex. Secrecy, as anyone in the CIA or NSA can tell you, is an indispensable part of military strategy. For a country that is so clearly outgunned like North Korea, secrecy is one of its asymmetric advantages. Indeed, no one knows if the country can deliver whatever nuclear weapons it might have. The base at Sakkanmol, meanwhile, is for short-range missiles. So, the major target would be South Korea. But the South Korean government is not up in arms over the report. “There is nothing new,” said a government spokesman, since North Korea “has never signed any agreement, any negotiation that makes shutting down missile bases mandatory.” The Beyond Parallel report contains much useful research. It’s the media coverage of the report that’s problematic. Journalists are missing the real news of the two Koreas dismantling Cold War structures on the peninsula in favour of information that reinforces the narrative that North Korea is ultimately untrustworthy. How to help Korea Donald Trump is focused on getting a Nobel Peace Prize for nearly consummating his love affair with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The foreign policy community in Washington — along with the US media and punditry class — is focused on proving itself right that the current peace efforts are a chimaera. Members of Trump’s administration, like National Security Adviser John Bolton, have adopted a wait-and-see attitude. They believe that Trump will eventually realise the folly of his overtures, which will create a policy vacuum that they will rush in to fill with their regime-change strategies. Don’t expect much of a difference now that the Democrats control the House. The party has roundly criticized Trump’s summitry and has consistently pushed for more sanctions, not fewer. In this dismal context, watching the two Koreas inch incrementally closer together is like sitting in the audience of a performance of Romeo and Juliet. You know the ending, and it’s far from happy. So, is there any way of altering the current script to avoid a tragedy? Here’s the good news: It wouldn’t take very much to push the US-North Korean negotiations forward. All the Trump administration has to do is offer to reduce some economic sanctions in exchange for a specific ask, for instance, an inventory of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and complex. This might seem like arms control 101. Unfortunately, the US position has been all or nothing, not give and take. That’s the subtle shift that has to take place before any further, substantial dismantlement of the Cold War on the Korean peninsula can take place. And given the pushback from the foreign policy community, Congress, and even members of Trump’s own administration, this shift will likely have to come from the president himself. It’s a terrible thing to have to depend on Donald Trump for anything. But if the White House can reduce one of the principal barriers to inter-Korean reconciliation, then Koreans themselves can continue to change the facts on the ground — step by step, without international fanfare — in such a way that outsiders will have to follow the Korean lead rather than the other way around. By the time journalists have figured everything out what’s going on, perhaps the two Koreas will have managed to end the Cold War, not just rhetorically but physically — and without getting permission from their patrons. Instead of a preemptive attack, it will be preemptive peace. In this chaotic and increasingly frightening world, that will surely be something to celebrate. (John Feffer is the director of Foreign Policy In Focus at the Institute for Policy Studies) (This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Is Korea’s cold war about to end?

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