North Korea not interested in talks with US, plans more nuclear tests

North Korea officials told CNN’s Will Ripley that North Korea is not yet interested in talks with the United States despite Trump’s conciliatory tone in South Korea. U.S. officials point out three American citizens are still currently being held in North Korean custody, and any diplomacy would also need to involve discussions for their release.

According to officials in North Korea and the United States, diplomatic channels are still closed after Trump’s fiery UN speech in September. However, North Korea won’t rule out future talks, but still feels the need to prove their nuclear capabilities, which means more tests, the officials said. They went on to say, North Korea tries to be unpredictable with timing of tests for maximum impact.

The North Korea officials told CNN that mixed messages and ongoing joint military drills erode the United States credibility, adding “actions speak louder than words.”

The officials say millions in weapon sales to Japan and South Korea plus new Japanese sanctions only reinforce North Korea’s need to “round off” their nuclear program to counter “US hostile policy” towards North Korea.