Moon's top security advisor points to need for dialogue with N. Korea
SEOUL, May 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in's top security advisor on Monday voiced a need to resume talks with North Korea, though he said the dialogue must not get in the way of ongoing international sanctions against the communist state.
"We will have to try and gradually resume dialogue, starting with working-level talks," Chung Eui-yong, the head of the National Security Office, told reporters.
"I believe we must review the possibility as I believe we could resume exchanges in various areas, such as personnel, social, cultural and sports, as long as they do not undermine the international framework of sanctions against North Korea," he added.
Chung's remarks came after his visits with political parties earlier Monday, one day after his appointment.
Moon has repeatedly stressed a need to engage the North through dialogue to rid the reclusive nation of its nuclear weapons, though he has also noted the resumption of dialogue will only be possible under right conditions.
Chung reaffirmed Seoul will not reward the North for its provocations, but again stressed the need for dialogue.
"We will sternly deal with any provocation. It is also important to enhance our defense capability to deter and prevent North Korea's additional provocations," he said.
Still, he insisted "we must restore dialogue (with North Korea) at an early date for a fundamental reduction of tension."
bdk@yna.co.kr
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