Seoul, South Korea (CNN) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un affirmed his apparent commitment to denuclearization during an annual New Year's address Tuesday, but warned that he may need to pursue "a new way" if the United States continues to make "one-sided demands" of Pyongyang. In a wide ranging, 30-minute speech, Kim said that relations with Washington would progress at a "fast speed" if the US engages in some form of give-and-take, adding that he was ready to meet with US President Donald Trump at any time. "I'll endeavor towards a result that will be welcomed by the international community," Kim said of the potential second meeting between the two leaders. North Korea, however, would have "no choice but to defend our country's sovereignty and supreme interest, and find a new way to settle peace on our peninsula," if the US "misinterprets our people's patience, and makes one-sided demands and continues down the path of sanctions and pressure on our republic." Kim did not elaborate on what he meant by "new path."

Source: CNN January 01, 2019 02:58 UTC