South Korean president urges North Korea to give up nuclear weapons for economic gain

Reuters Citing a statement by the new South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on May 10, saying that North Korea’s nuclear weapons development programs are a threat but he is ready to come up with an “apple” economic plan. violence” exclusive to Pyongyang if it commits to denuclearization.

This is one of the messages given by Mr. Suk-yeol on May 10 during the swearing-in ceremony solemnly held at the National Assembly Square in Seoul.

Mr. Yoon Suk-yeol won a tight election in March as the head of the People’s Power Party (PPP), less than a year after entering politics after a 26-year career. years as a prosecutor.

Observers say that Suk-yeol will face two major problems after taking office: The first is the resumption of North Korean weapons testing activities, the second is the threat of inflation. undermining the economic recovery after two years of the impact of COVID-19.

Previously, Mr. Suk-yeol had made tough statements about North Korea’s nuclear program, and warned of a pre-emptive strike if Pyongyang acted aggressively. However, Suk-yeol’s inauguration speech pointed to the possibility of dialogue with North Korea, which his predecessor Moon Jae-in did.

Mr. Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized: “While North Korea’s nuclear weapons program remains a threat not only to South Korea but also to Northeast Asia, the door to dialogue remains open for us to deal with the threat peacefully,” he said. jar. If North Korea is truly committed to complete denuclearization, we are ready to work with the international community to come up with a bold plan to strengthen North Korea’s economy and improve the quality of life of its people. the people of Pyongyang”.

However, the new South Korean president did not elaborate on the plan to restart negotiations or the economic plan for North Korea.

The South Korean leader’s statement came amid heightened tensions between the two Koreas as North Korea recently conducted numerous weapons tests. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced in April 2022 that he would speed up the development of his nuclear arsenal.

President Yoon Suk-yeol is the 13th president of South Korea to serve his 20th presidential term in five years.