Press Briefing

Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations Noh Kyu-duk

July 5, 2018  14:30  KST

Good afternoon. Let me start today’s briefing.

Today, I have two announcements to make.

First, Secretary for Relations with States Paul Gallagher of the State of the Vatican City is on an official visit to the Republic of Korea from July 4 till 9, marking the first of its kind by the Holy See’s Secretary for Relations with States.  

Secretary Gallagher paid a courtesy call on President Moon Jae-in earlier today, July 5, and will hold a meeting and a luncheon with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha tomorrow, July 6, during which the two top diplomats will discuss ways to promote the Republic of Korea-Holy See friendship and cooperation, the situation on the Korean Peninsula, and global issues.

During his visit to the ROK, Secretary Gallagher will also attend a symposium at the Catholic University of Korea and a mass at the Myeongdong Cathedral, and visit the inter-Korean demilitarized zone.

Moving on to the second and last topic, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha will meet with members of the independent panel on the ROK's diplomacy toward the UN on July 6.

At the meeting, the panel will submit a report containing “a vision and future strategies regarding the ROK’s diplomacy toward the UN” as the final result of its work over the past five months.

The report, the content of which will include the way forward for the ROK’s diplomacy toward the UN and specific, relevant recommendations, is expected to help the ROK take a qualitative leap in its diplomacy toward the international organization.

That concludes my opening statement.

[Q&A]

Q: It is my understanding that some 500 Yemenis are waiting to undergo a refugee status review process in Jeju. I would like to know whether there are criteria in terms of what is reviewed in the process and what qualifications the applicants have to meet to be granted refugee status. I would also like to know whether Foreign Ministry officials will take part in the refugee status review process.

A: The refugee status review process is undertaken by the Ministry of Justice. For further details, please inquire of that government agency.

Q: According to a New York Times news report dated July 4, the ROK government had an official, during his/her recent visit to the US, advise the US government on the North Korean nuclear issue to the effect that it “get rid of the everything-must-be-dismantled-immediately approach.” Please tell us more specifically who said what to the US government on what occasion.

A: I have read a similar article which I think was carried by Reuters. Nevertheless, I deem it inappropriate to share with you specific, relevant details discussed between the diplomatic authorities of the ROK and the US. The two countries are consulting very closely with each other with regard to the goal of a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. To that end, the two countries are engaging in extensive exchanges of views at various levels through diverse channels and means on constructive ways that can contribute to the denuclearization and establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula.

Q: I have another question. As I recall it, in the previous press briefing, someone asked about the expression, “final, fully verified denuclearization (FFVD),” with regard to the US government’s denuclearization methodology. In answer to that question, you then said, “It is the media which have interpreted the term” that way. This continues to be brought up in the US, with media outlets in the country reporting on the meaning of the new expression.

Do the ROK and the US agree on any part of this new “FFVD” policy? Is the US’ “complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID)” policy still in place as is, or is it being modified somewhat?

A: Recently, the US government used the expression, “final, fully verified denuclearization (FFVD).” Nevertheless, it is my understanding that regardless of what expression the US government uses, its basic position remains the same, which means that it still calls for a complete denuclearization, just as it is called for in the Panmunjeom Declaration and the joint statement adopted by the US and North Korean leaders.

Q: Are you then saying that the principle of CVID shared by the ROK and the US is being upheld as is?

A: Yes, as stipulated in the Panmunjeom Declaration and the joint statement adopted at the US-North Korea summit talks, the ROK and the US seek a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and that shared goal remains intact.

Q: Does the ROK government plan to continue using the expression “CVID”?

A: Let me reiterate what I have said regarding the goal of denuclearization: As stipulated in the Panmunjeom Declaration and the joint statement adopted at the US-North Korea summit talks, the ROK and the US seek a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, and that shared goal remains intact.

Q: In his recently published book, professor Moon Chung-in discusses “denuclearization” and “dismantlement,” calling “denuclearization” a far more comprehensive concept (than “dismantlement”). Is this how the word is considered and used on the diplomatic front?

A: Different experts could say different things on that. I will not comment on such specific details.

Q: According to some press reports, an ROK-North Korea delegation would visit China by train on the Independence Day, March 1, in 2019. Has this been discussed with the Chinese government or is it being done so? If a discussion is under way, how far has it moved forward and what has been covered?

A: Let me check relevant details and share with you if there is anything to.

This will be all for today’s briefing. Thank you.

* unofficial translation