The Korea Times

President reaffirms phased approach toward NK denuclearization

President Lee Jae Myung on Monday called for a phased approach to North Korea’s denuclearization, while saying South Korea should continue pursuing dialogue with Pyongyang despite severely strained inter-Korean relations. He also reiterated that historical issues remain an obstacle to deeper security cooperation with Japan during a news conference marking the first anniversary of his inauguration. Speaking at Cheong Wa Dae, Lee said complete denuclearization remains the ultimate goal but argued that negotiations should first focus on halting additional production of nuclear materials, preventing their transfer abroad and stopping further development of intercontinental ballistic missile technology. He said setting short-, medium- and long-term goals was a more realistic approach than insisting on immediate denuclearization. “If someone says this means giving up on denuclearization, that is simply leaving reality unattended and making the situation worse,” Lee said, adding that he has discussed the idea with U.S. President Donald Trump on several occasions. Lee described inter-Korean