US Dismisses North Korea Deadline; Renews Calls for Talks – By William Gallo (VOA News) / Dec 16 2019
SEOUL – A senior U.S. diplomat Monday made a last-minute plea for North Korea to stop its provocations and re-enter nuclear negotiations, just ahead of Pyongyang’s end-of-year deadline for nuclear talks.
“Let me speak directly to our counterparts in North Korea: It is time for us to do our jobs. Let’s get this done. We are here, and you know how to reach us,” said Steve Biegun, the U.S. special representative for North Korea.
Biegun was speaking in Seoul, days after North Korea conducted two tests, apparently of engines for long-range missiles. Pyongyang has promised to deliver an ominous “Christmas gift” if the U.S. does not offer more concessions by the end of the year.
The moves have intensified fears that major tensions could return to Korea in 2020, possibly derailing nearly two years of diplomacy between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
“But it does not have to be this way. It is not yet too late,” said Biegun, who was meeting with senior South Korean officials Monday.
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