Mattis: Lifting Sanctions on North Korea Only After Clear Steps Toward Nuclear Disarmament

The U.S. Secretary of Defense states that the lifting and suspension of current sanctions against North Korea will only occur after the country takes irreversible and clear steps toward nuclear disarmament. James Mattis mentioned that a 'bumpy road' lies ahead. On June 3, shortly before trilateral meetings with the defense ministers of Japan and South Korea, he told reporters, 'At best, we expect a bumpy road ahead.' Mattis added, 'We will continue to enforce United Nations Security Council resolutions against North Korea. North Korea will only benefit from the lifting of sanctions if it takes irreversible and verifiable steps toward nuclear disarmament.' Donald Trump stated on Friday, after meeting with Kim Yong-chol, a key advisor to the North Korean leader, that the meeting will take place as previously scheduled on June 12 in Singapore. Trump had previously canceled this meeting after reports of disagreements between the two sides regarding the disarmament process emerged. It appears that the U.S. is demanding North Korea's nuclear disarmament before lifting sanctions, while North Korea is said to prefer a step-by-step approach. The return to the negotiating table in Singapore has been welcomed by North Korea and its main ally, China. James Mattis, who traveled to Singapore for discussions with his counterparts from Japan and South Korea, stated, 'We must maintain our strong, united, and defensive position; only then can our diplomats participate from a position of strength in these critical negotiations.' The South Korean Defense Minister also expressed a preference to look to the future with 'caution' considering North Korea's past behaviors. Song Young-moo added that 'a bright future can be expected, and we must seize this opportunity.' The Japanese Defense Minister has also expressed support for the Singapore negotiations but has called for discussions on ballistic missiles and the issue of abducted citizens by North Korea. This is the first time since the three ministers met in the Philippines last October that they have gathered for a trilateral meeting. The current meetings are taking place at the Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, which is expected to be one of the main centers for negotiations and meetings on June 12.