FROM EIR DAILY ALERT
Two Korean Leaders Sign Agreements in Pyongyang for Peace on Peninsula, Will Meet Next in Seoul
Sept. 19, 2018 (EIRNS)—North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a joint document following their talks in Pyongyang today, agreeing to take measures to defuse tensions on the Korean Peninsula and move towards peace and cooperation.
“South and North agreed to turn the demilitarized border zone into the zone of peace and prosperity,” South Korean President Moon said at a joint press conference. North Korean Chairman Kim said that “the Pyongyang declaration will open a new era of prosperity and peace for both Koreas.” He described the talks as “very substantive,” reported TASS. Kim said that a comprehensive military deal, signed by the two states’ defense ministers during the summit, will contribute to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Kim is expected to visit Seoul by the end of the year, South Korean President Moon told reporters. “The visit should take place by the end of the year, if nothing extraordinary happens,” he said, and stated that the visit would be “a turning point in inter-Korean relations.” This would be the first visit by a North Korean leader to the South Korean capital.
The joint statement calls for setting up a joint committee comprising top officials of the two states and for reconnecting severed rails and roads across the border. “South and North have agreed that works to reconnect the railways and roads in the East and West should begin within a year,” the document reads.
Kim has also agreed to allow international inspectors into North Korea for inspection of certain projects dismantling nuclear and missile sites.
Moon said North Korea also agreed to shut down its experimental nuclear reactor in the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center. “North Korea gave its consent to fully stop the work of the nuclear reactor in Yongbyon,” he said. The Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center houses a uranium enrichment facility and a 5-megawatt reactor, built by North Korean scientists in 1986. According to experts, every year it can produce enough materials to make several nuclear warheads.
Trump tweeted:
“Kim Jong Un has agreed to allow Nuclear inspections, subject to final negotiations, and to permanently dismantle a test site and launch pad in the presence of international experts. In the meantime there will be no Rocket or Nuclear testing. Hero remains to continue being returned home to the United States. Also, North and South Korea will file a joint bid to host the 2032 Olympics. Very exciting!”
