There was speculation that the annual ASEAN Regional Forum, the only multilateral forum that North Korea participates in, could help boost discussions between Pyongyang and Washington on denuclearization.<br />But at the forum, the two showed a sharp contrast in their views on sanctions.<br />Oh Jung-hee tells us more. <br /> Expectations were high at the ASEAN Regional Forum. With the foreign ministers of South Korea, North Korea, the U.S. and China all present -- it was hoped the forum could provide momentum in the struggling North Korea-U.S. denuclearization talks.<br />But the annual regional forum ended with no foreign ministerial meetings at all between the two Koreas,... nor between North Korea and the U.S.<br /> The tug-of-war continued between Pyongyang and Washington... with clashing views on sanctions.<br /><br />Making his statement at the forum, North Korean foreign minister Ri Yong-ho stressed that... Pyongyang has already taken some 'goodwill' steps -- halting nuclear and missile tests and dismantling its main nuclear test site.<br /> Pointing out that Washington is not responding to such actions and is still holding onto sanctions,... he said... both sides will have to work things out simultaneously. <br /><br /> Meanwhile, speaking to the reporters separately, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasized the need to strictly enforce all sanctions against North Korea,... mentioning recent reports about illegal ship-to-ship petroleum transfers. <br /> Over the weekend, the U.S. also slapped new sanctions on North Korean and Russian entities,... saying sanctions will remain in place until North Korea's final denuclearization.<br /><br /> Reports have been pouring out from Pyongyang for several days in a row -- all urging Washington to take actions in return for the North's efforts, namely, lifting sanctions.<br /><br /> Pyongyang's state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun claimed on Monday... that the UN resolutions should have disappeared already as Pyongyang has taken some practical steps. <br /> Saying that the most important thing now is to build confidence with one another, it urged the U.S. to abandon sanctions and pressure. <br /><br /> While Washington is firm in keeping its economic pressure on Pyongyang, especially with its joint military drills suspended,... how North Korea and the U.S. find a middle ground remains to be seen.<br />Oh Jung-hee, Arirang News. <br />
