ROK says sanctions on DPRK may be eased before full denuclearization

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T‍he Republic of Korea (ROK) said Monday sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) could be eased once it takes "substantive steps towards denuclearisation", seemingly setting the bar lower than Washington for such a move.

Last week's Singapore summit between US President Donald Trump and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un produced only a vague statement in which Kim "reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula."

June 12, 2018: US President Donald Trump (R) and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un (L) walk to attend their historic summit, at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa island in Singapore. /VCG Photo

Amid fears the summit would weaken the international coalition against the DPRK's nuclear program, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stressed that the sanctions would remain in place until the DPRK's complete denuclearisation.

But his ROK counterpart Kang Kyung-wha suggested Monday that they could be eased sooner, reaffirming their stance as the sanctions must remain in place until the DPRK takes meaningful, substantive steps towards denuclearisation.

Seoul and Washington shared the same "big picture" view and would continue close consultations, the minister added.