National News

North Korea accepts proposal for talks next week on Olympics

SEOUL, South Korea _ North Korea accepted a proposal to hold talks with South Korea on Tuesday aimed at reducing tensions ahead of the Winter Olympics next month.

The agenda would include North Korea’s offer to send a delegation to the Games as well as overall inter-Korean relations, South Korea’s Unification Ministry spokesman, Baik Tae Hyun, told reporters Friday. Preparations for what would be the first formal gathering between the two sides since 2015 would be done via letters, he said.

President Donald Trump endorsed the talks Thursday, calling them a “good thing” while agreeing to delay military exercises until after the event. During a 30-minute phone call, South Korean President Moon Jae-in assured Trump that his government would coordinate with the U.S. on the talks.

Tensions over North Korea’s nuclear program had threatened to hang over the Games in Pyeongchang, a city about 50 miles from the border dividing the Korean Peninsula.

The developments have raised hopes that progress can be made toward broader negotiations with North Korea, although significant barriers remain. Both North Korea and the U.S. have continued to threaten each other, with Kim Jong Un ramping up production of nuclear warheads and Trump vowing to keep up his pressure campaign.

South Korea expects more talks over the weekend with North Korea via a hotline reopened earlier this week, Baik said. The two sides would discuss leadership and composition of each delegation participating in the talks, he said.
___
(c)2018 Bloomberg News
Visit Bloomberg News at www.bloomberg.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

newsdesk

Share
Published by
newsdesk

Recent Posts

Pitt football loses 6OT bowl-game thriller, retains crucial players over the holiday breakPitt football loses 6OT bowl-game thriller, retains crucial players over the holiday break

Pitt football loses 6OT bowl-game thriller, retains crucial players over the holiday break

Pitt football closed out its 2024 season over the holiday break with a 46-48 loss…

1 hour ago
Pitt men’s basketball stays hot over winter break, conquering California ACC newcomersPitt men’s basketball stays hot over winter break, conquering California ACC newcomers

Pitt men’s basketball stays hot over winter break, conquering California ACC newcomers

The new year is a time for change. Most people lay out resolutions while striving…

1 hour ago
Photos: Pitt men’s basketball dominates StanfordPhotos: Pitt men’s basketball dominates Stanford

Photos: Pitt men’s basketball dominates Stanford

Pitt men’s basketball advanced to 3-0 in ACC play with an 83-68 domination over Stanford…

2 hours ago
Photos: Pitt wrestling duels Pitt-JohnstownPhotos: Pitt wrestling duels Pitt-Johnstown

Photos: Pitt wrestling duels Pitt-Johnstown

Pitt wrestling dueled Pitt-Johnstown for their first duel match of 2025. The Panthers won 32-8…

2 hours ago
Photos: Pitt men’s basketball downs CalPhotos: Pitt men’s basketball downs Cal

Photos: Pitt men’s basketball downs Cal

Pitt men’s basketball took down Cal 86-74 in their first game of 2025 at the…

3 hours ago
Pitt volleyball star Torrey Stafford enters Transfer PortalPitt volleyball star Torrey Stafford enters Transfer Portal

Pitt volleyball star Torrey Stafford enters Transfer Portal

Pitt volleyball star sophomore outside hitter Torrey Stafford put her name in the NCAA Transfer…

1 week ago