The gesture sought to further exploit divisions between the US and South Korea, which differ on the best way to rid North Korea of nuclear weapons. “The proposal, as well as North Korea’s presence at the Games, sends a signal that the North Koreans are ready to talk,” Lankov said. He came to power promising a softer approach to Pyongyang and has repeatedly sought a summit with Kim Jong-un. Conservative groups have protested the appearance of North Korean athletes at the Games in Pyeongchang with vulgar signs. “His goal is to do enough on the inter-Korean front to get the United States and North Korea to jaw-jaw,” Green said.

Source: Mint February 11, 2018 14:26 UTC