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SEOUL, May 26 (AJP) - Democratic Party (DP) presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung said Monday that while holding a summit with North Korea is something that should happen, current conditions make it unlikely in the near future.
“It is something that obviously should happen, but I don’t know whether it will be possible,” Lee told reporters during a visit to Ajou University in Suwon on May 26. “At the moment, it would be extremely difficult.”
Lee acknowledged the importance of dialogue with Pyongyang and said Seoul should not hesitate to engage, especially given the frequency of summits South Korea holds with the United States and other neighboring countries.
“As we engage in many summits with the U.S. and surrounding nations, there’s no reason not to do the same with North Korea,” he said. “It’s something we should prepare for and work to make possible,” Lee said.
He also commented on the potential for a renewed U.S.–North Korea summit, noting that President Donald Trump continues to express interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Lee said South Korea would support such talks and seek to contribute. “If a U.S.–North Korea summit becomes possible, we will support and cooperate to help it succeed,” he said. “There is definitely a role for us in that process.”
On the nuclear issue, Lee made clear he does not support South Korea developing its own weapons. “Pursuing nuclear armament is neither realistic nor desirable,” he said. “We should aim to freeze North Korea’s nuclear capabilities as a step toward denuclearization. While the U.S. has a major role, China and Russia also have responsibilities. We must manage relations with all neighboring countries carefully.”
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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