McMaster: Maximum Pressure on North Korea Will Continue Until Progress is Observed

Herbert McMaster, the National Security Advisor of the White House, stated on Monday, March 12, that the United Nations Security Council supports Donald Trump's approach of maximum pressure until 'real progress' is observed in denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. According to the Associated Press, McMaster, speaking to reporters after addressing the Security Council, noted that the U.S. President praised the unity of the Security Council in passing severe sanctions against North Korea. The National Security Advisor further indicated that with this maximum pressure strategy, they may be in a position to seek a diplomatic solution for the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. We are determined to continue this path. Nikki Haley, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, also stated in this press conference that the severe sanctions, which were unanimously approved by the Security Council, have cut off all exports from North Korea as well as 90% of the country's trade. Ms. Haley emphasized that actions against the North Korean regime are an example that shows sanctions are effective. Meanwhile, McMaster continued by saying: 'We all agree on the optimism regarding the opportunity that has arisen, but we are determined to continue the maximum pressure program until words (and statements) align with actions and we witness real progress in denuclearization.' Reports indicate that Kim Jong-un, the leader of North Korea, who has invited Donald Trump for a meeting and dialogue, has proposed to suspend his regime's missile and nuclear tests. Mr. Trump himself stated on Saturday on his Twitter account that 'North Korea has not conducted any missile tests since November 28, 2017, and has promised not to do so during our meetings. I believe they will adhere to this commitment.' Chung Eui-yong, the National Security Advisor of South Korea, directly conveyed the North Korean leader's message to Donald Trump last week. After meeting with Donald Trump, he told reporters at the White House that the U.S. President accepted Kim Jong-un's invitation for a meeting. Meanwhile, the Director of the CIA and the U.S. Treasury Secretary defended President Trump's decision to meet with the North Korean leader, stating that the goal of this meeting and dialogue remains the same: the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and Kim Jong-un has also accepted to negotiate on this matter. Mike Pompeo and Steve Mnuchin stated that the U.S. government does not intend to give any special concessions to Pyongyang, and until a possible meeting between the leaders of the two countries, sanctions and economic pressures, as well as defensive preparations, will continue.