(LEAD) (US-NK summit) N. Korean leader says he's committed to denuclearization
(ATTN: UPDATES with more comments)
HANOI, Feb. 28 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said Thursday he remains committed to the denuclearization of his country, saying that otherwise he wouldn't be having talks with U.S. President Donald Trump in Hanoi.
Asked by a U.S. pool reporter about whether denuclearization is truly his desire at the start of another round of talks, Kim said, "If I weren't willing to do that, I wouldn't be here right now."
He also said he would "welcome" the opening of a U.S. liaison office in Pyongyang, which Trump also described as a good idea.
"I think it is something that is worth welcoming," he said, indicating the issue will be included in their joint statement to be signed soon.
As the reporter asked Kim about whether he's talking about human rights with Trump, the president stepped in and said, "We are discussing everything. We're having very, very productive discussions."
lcd@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
1 
N.K. likely to accept Seoul's dialogue offer, but can Seoul deliver what Pyongyang wants?
-
2 
Uncertainty grows over talks' prospects amid tough words from U.S., ominous activity in N.K.
-
3
(News Focus) Summit breakdown darkens outlooks for Seoul's push for cross-border projects
-
4 
(News Focus) Varied intentions lie behind N.K. nuclear crusade
-
5 
(News Focus) N.K.'s swift reporting on Kim's trip indicates efforts to craft image of normal state
