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South Korean President Moon Jae-in presiding over a cabinet meeting at the Blue House on Sept. 11. (Blue House photo pool)

On Sept. 11, South Korean President Moon Jae-in emphatically stressed the need for a second summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, adding that for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula to occur, “North Korea must carry out its nuclear dismantlement, and the US must create a [favorable] environment through corresponding measures.”

Presiding over a cabinet meeting at the Blue House, Moon said, “If we’re to move to the next phase of dismantling North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, the leaders of the US and North Korean need to move forward with bold ideas and decisions,” adding that “Both sides [North Korea and the US] need to root out the deep mutual mistrust that’s developed through the past 70 years of hostile relation.” He concluded by saying, “I sincerely hope for the quick resumption of sincere dialogue between North Korea and the US.”

During his Singapore Lecture in July, Moon warned that “If the leaders [of North Korea and the US] do not keep their promises, they will be judged sternly by the international community.”

“At the upcoming inter-Korean summit, we will devote our efforts to relieving inter-Korean military tensions and resolving hostile relations,” Moon said, adding “Only then can we move forward with inter-Korean economic cooperation and formulate new economic map for the Korean Peninsula.” He continued by saying, “The complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is fundamentally resolved through the resolution of North Korea-US negotiations,” adding, “However, we cannot refrain from acting as mediator and encouraging dialogue until communication between North Korea and the US is fully restored. President Trump and Chairman Kim are also calling on us to perform that role.”

President Moon declared that following the inter-Korean summit in April and the North Korea-US summit in June, South Korea, the US and North Korea have all taken practical measures to work toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the end of hostile relations. “North Korea has adopted practical measures on multiple occasions,” he said.

Moon also stressed that “North Korea has also promised to refrain from making threats regarding missiles or nuclear weapons, and has not conducted any nuclear or missile tests since November of last year. They’ve also demonstrated their sincerity by shutting down nuclear and missile engine test sites and returning the remains of US POW/MIA.”

Moon acknowledged US efforts, saying “The US has corresponded by suspending large-scale South Korea-US joint military exercises, which mobilize both South Korean and American strategic assets.”

Moon also called for the ratification of the Apr. 27 Panmunjom Declaration by the National Assembly.

“We need to turn the Pyongyang inter-Korean summit into an opportunity to take another decisive step toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the establishment of a peace regime,” he said. “In order for that to happen, we need powerful support from the international community as well as additional support from the domestic front. As we’re faced with such events of great importance to the Korean people, I ask you to please refrain from partisan squabbles,” he added.

The day prior, ruling and opposition party leaders moved to defer discussion regarding the ratification of the Panmunjom Declaration until after the inter-Korean summit on Sept. 18-20.

Regarding the recent MERS diagnosis of a South Korean citizen, Moon said, “Unlike the past, the initial response of relevant authorities, hospital staff, and medical personnel was swift and systematic,” adding, “The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are responding on the ground and directing the situation there, while we will provide support on a governmental level and provide the people with transparent status updates.”

By Seong Yeon-cheol, staff reporter

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