JAKARTA - For decades arguing over uranium processing and nuclear weapons, the United States (US) and North Korea have tried to agree on nuclear issues.
For example, the meeting of former US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un which was successful began in 2018 but failed at the second meeting and working-level talks.
According to Chung Sye-kyun, there are two things that can be the keys so that the two countries reach a mutual agreement. In his first interview with the media since taking office, the South Korean prime minister mentioned creative thinking and incentives for collective negotiations.
He said North Korea and the US must seek a denuclearization agreement that includes a halt to North Korea's nuclear activities, as well as a reward in the form of relief from several US sanctions.
"We can start by freezing all nuclear activity and reducing some of their programs. It would be better if we could get rid of all of them, once and for all, but it's not easy and we need alternatives", Chung told Reuters.
North Korea has offered to dismantle its main nuclear complex in exchange for lifting major UN sanctions. But the US says removing the facilities is not enough and North Korea must give up its nuclear weapons and fuel bombs.
US President Joe Biden's new administration has yet to announce its policies for North Korea. However, Biden said during a presidential debate in October he was willing to meet after Kim Jong-un agreed to withdraw North Korea's nuclear capacity.
Chung said limited sanctions relief could help revive and maintain momentum for any talks. Because that's the most attractive incentive for North Korea.
"It becomes an incentive only when you give what your colleagues want. And that is what makes the negotiations. South Korea and the United States know what North Korea wants", he concluded.
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