N. Korea still shuns nuclear, ICBM tests, indicating intention for dialogue: unification minister
SEOUL, Oct. 21 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's continued moratorium on nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) testing suggests its intention to explore dialogue opportunities, according to a top South Korean official Thursday,
Unification Minister Lee In-young made the remarks during a parliamentary audit session, as skepticism over Seoul's push to reengage with Pyongyang resurfaced in the wake of the regime's submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test on Tuesday.
"North Korea has not conducted strategic actions, such as a nuclear test and an ICBM launch, while continuing to fire missiles, and (the ministry) interpreted this as an intention to explore opportunities for dialogue," the minister said.
In recent months, Pyongyang launched a series of missiles, including a new hypersonic one, and showed it is capable of employing various launch platforms, such as a train, which are expected to add more agility to its missile operations.
Despite the military moves, the ministry has redoubled calls for Pyongyang to return to dialogue.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
'Queen of Tears' weaves rich tapestry of Korean contemporary art
-
Ateez member Yunho throws first pitch at MLB match between Dodgers, Mets
-
N. Korea says Kim guided simulated nuclear counterattack drills for 1st time
-
N. Korea calls envisioned U.S. aid to Ukraine 'hallucinogen'
-
N. Korea calls on party propaganda officials to work harder
-
'Queen of Tears' weaves rich tapestry of Korean contemporary art
-
Experts see possibility of N.K. conducting nuclear test before U.S. presidential vote
-
Details of meeting between Yoon, opposition leader undecided: presidential office
-
N. Korea says Kim guided simulated nuclear counterattack drills for 1st time
-
Looming weekly closure of major hospitals feared to worsen medical service crisis
-
S. Korea eliminated in Olympic football qualifiers as poor defense, undisciplined play prove costly
-
Indonesia coach left with mixed feelings after eliminating native S. Korea in Olympic football qualifiers
-
ADOR CEO calls conflict with Hybe 'worst experience of my life'
-
(LEAD) 10-man S. Korea lose to Indonesia to miss out on Paris Olympic football qualification
-
S. Korea to acquire SM-3 shipborne missiles by 2030