U.S. could phase out military activity near Korean Peninsula to signal readiness for dialogue with N. Korea - Duma deputy
MOSCOW. March 6 (Interfax) - The United States might phase out its military activities near the Korean Peninsula to signal its readiness for negotiations with North Korea, the First Deputy Head of the Russian State Duma Defense Committee, Alexander Sherin, said.
"Taking into account the DPRK's statements on its willingness to negotiate with the U.S., it would be right if the Americans phase out their activity near the Korean Peninsula, thus showing the international community at least its intention to maintain dialogue on resolving the nuclear problem," Sherin told Interfax on Tuesday.
For the time being, the U.S. "has large forces deployed in South Korea and in Japan," he said.
Sherin welcomed Pyongyang's willingness to hold such negotiations with the U.S.
"North Korea as a state has demonstrated its willingness for constructive dialogue and has takenits first step, thus putting the Americans in a situation in which they have to respond, they can't remain silent," Sherin said.
"The entire global community has heard North Korea's proposal," he said.
The South Korean presidential office said earlier on Tuesday that the North Korean leadership had signaled its readiness to suspend nuclear and missile tests during negotiations with the U.S.
A South Korean government delegation returned home after visiting North Korea and meeting with its leader, Kim Jong Un, on Tuesday, following which the delegation members arrived at the presidential office in Seoul to present a report on the trip to President Moon Jae-in.
The South Korean presidential office also said that the DPRK had reaffirmed its desire to seek the de-nuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.