Koreas: South calls for 'bold' denuclearization steps

By Emel Oz Gozellik

ANKARA (AA) - South Korean president urged North Korea on Thursday to take 'bold' and 'practical' measures for denuclearization.

"I believe North Korea needs to take practical denuclearization steps more boldly if it wishes to resolve the issue of international sanctions because the issue of international sanctions depends on the speed of North Korea's denuclearization process," President Moon Jae-in told reporters at his office Cheong Wa Dae.

"On the other hand, it’s also necessary for the United States and the international community to take similar steps in order to encourage the North to move forward,” he said.

Moon added that his country will coordinate with the international community including the U.S. to solve the remaining sanction issues.

"China has continued to play a positive role in the process of inter-Korean dialogue, as well as U.S.-North Korea talks," Moon said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met in Beijing on Jan. 8. At that meeting, Kim said, “North Korea will remain committed to the solution through dialogue and negotiation. We will make efforts to arrange a second meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.”

During his summit with Xi, Kim also praised China’s roles in diplomatic efforts to secure peace in the region.