Bolton calls on DPRK to make first move

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The DPRK is facing a "decisive and dramatic choice," and should make the first move to dismantle its nuclear weapons program, John Bolton, US National Security Adviser, said during a Fox News program on Wednesday.

Bolton said that until the DPRK takes "palpable, concrete" steps toward denuclearization, all the sanctions will remain in force, according to Yonhap News.

While talking about the DPRK's denuclearization, Bolton added that the US will watch very closely and find out soon enough because diplomatic engagement will proceed quickly.

Bolton noted that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and others will be meeting with DPRK officials, saying the US has no interest in lengthy talks.

"If they are serious, North Korea (DPRK) should want to move quickly, too," Bolton said.

Joint statement in Trump-Kim summit

Following this month's summit with the DPRK's leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, US President Trump tweeted last week that "there is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea."

The landmark Trump-Kim summit was held on June 12. Kim and Trump signed a joint statement after their meeting in Singapore. Trump was committed to providing security guarantees to the DPRK, while Kim reaffirmed his commitment to a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Trump and Kim conducted a "comprehensive, in-depth and sincere exchange of opinions" on issues related to the establishment of a new DPRK-US relationship and building a lasting and robust peace regime on the peninsula, the joint statement said.

(With input from agencies.)

(Cover: File photo of John Bolton /AP Photo.)