North Korean leader says it's up to the South to decide what direction to take relations between the two countries. U.S. policy continues to be branded as "hostile." Sister Kim Yo-jong today was appointed to the State Affairs Commission, the highest role she has obtained so far.
Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Communications between the two Koreas will be re-established in early October, it was announced yesterday by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, adding, however, that it is up to Seoul to determine the future direction of relations between the two countries.
The restoration will aim "to realize the expectations of the entire Korean nation for the early recovery of relations between the North and the South from the current impasse and a lasting peace on the peninsula," Kim said.
According to Kim, however, U.S. policy toward North Korea has not changed since President Joe Biden arrived at the White House and called the U.S. offer to hold talks "a petty trick to hide its hostile acts."
South Korea's Unification Ministry said the reactivation of communication lines will help address outstanding issues between the two Koreas and expressed hope that contacts will remain active and stable in the future.
Meanwhile, Kim Yo-jong, the influential sister of the North Korean dictator, has been granted a position on the State Affairs Commission after at least nine officials were fired. Among the new appointments, Kim Yo-jong stands out for her young age and for being the only woman. She has often been seen near her brother at international summits, but her political role is unclear. According to some speculations she might one day succeed Kim Jong-un at the helm of the country. She has held various positions over the years, but her new role on the Commission is the highest position she has held so far.