US, DPRK differ sharply on denuclearization progress

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White House national security adviser John Bolton on Tuesday said the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has not taken the necessary steps to denuclearize despite an agreement between Pyongyang's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump in June.

Bolton, in an interview on Fox News, said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was prepared to return to the DPRK for another meeting with Kim.

"What we really need is not more rhetoric," Bolton said.

"What we need is performance from North Korea (DPRK) on denuclearization."

US National Security Advisor John Bolton participates in a news briefing at the White House, Aug. 2, 2018. /VCG Photo

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also expressed concerns about DPRK's "slow" progress toward denuclearization, while speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Singapore last weekend.

But the DPRK side sees quite another story.

DPRK's state media KCNA has highlighted it has made goodwill gestures, such as a moratorium on nuclear and missile tests, the dismantling of a nuclear site, and the return of the remains of US soldiers killed in the 1950-53 Korean War.

It has urged Washington to take reciprocal steps, including officially declaring an end to the war and dropping sanctions.

Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho accused the US of maintaining the sanctions against the DPRK, warning it will not start denuclearizing unless Washington takes reciprocal actions.

"The DPRK stands firm in its determination and commitment for implementing the DPRK-US Joint Statement in a responsible and good-faith manner,” Ri said on the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting in Singapore.

August 4, 2018: Asia-Pacific foreign ministers pose for photos at the ASEAN Regional Forum meeting in Singapore. /VCG Photo

"What is alarming, however, is the insistent moves manifested within the US to go back to the old, far from its leader's intention."

The minister also denounced the US for failing to respond to measures taken by Pyongyang toward fulfilling its denuclearization commitment, adding that simultaneous actions and phased steps should be made by both sides.

Bolton said the United States has lived up to the Singapore declaration that followed the June 12 summit.

"It's just North Korea (DPRK) that has not taken the steps we feel are necessary to denuclearize," Bolton said.

He said the relaxation of any sanctions was not under consideration.

Asked about the possibility of additional meetings, Bolton said Trump, in a recent letter to Kim, proposed sending Pompeo back to Pyongyang, and that Trump was ready to meet with Kim any time. The letter was handed to DPRK's Ri during the weekend.

(Top image: This picture released from DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on March 4, 2016, shows a test-fire of the new large-caliber rocket at an undisclosed location. /VCG Photo)