(US-NK summit) Trump: N. Korea's denuclearization will take place as soon as physically possible

SINGAPORE, June 12 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear weapons program will take place as soon as "mechanically, physically" possible, but refused to set a deadline.

Speaking after historic talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, Trump said Kim was "very firm" about his will to give up nukes and reaffirmed an "unwavering commitment" to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The two talked about how they will verify the dismantlement, Trump said, a key sticking point in past negotiations to halt the North's nuclear program.

In addition to reaffirming his "unwavering commitment" to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, Kim also pledged to destroy a missile engine testing site, although it was not included in their joint statement, Trump said at a news conference following the summit talks.

Until denuclearization happens, the president said, sanctions on North Korea will remain in effect.

hague@yna.co.kr
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