Our top story this morning...<br />U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated he will NOT rush into concluding a denuclearization agreement with North Korea.<br />His remarks on Tuesday come amid strong criticism from the North over Washington's planned joint military drills with South Korea.<br />Kim Hyo-sun starts us off.<br />North Korea's Foreign Ministry has condemned the U.S.,... saying its scheduled joint military exercises with South Korea could put denuclearization talks at risk.<br />The ministry warned Tuesday that it could reconsider its agreement to resume working-level talks if the exercise takes place as planned next month,... and it may also consider resuming nuclear tests.<br />The North has long criticized such joint exercises as (quote) "a rehearsal for war."<br />This comes as the Pentagon announced Tuesday that Seoul and Washington are preparing a routine joint training program in August.<br />A spokesperson for the Pentagon explained that the joint exercise has been scaled back in order to facilitate diplomacy with the regime.<br />Meanwhile,... President Trump has highlighted that his administration has made significant progress in regards to North Korea.<br />Speaking at a Cabinet meeting in Washington on Tuesday,... Trump said he doesn't feel any pressure to reach a quick denuclearization deal with Pyeongyang.<br /><br />"The relationship is very good. I think we've made tremendous progress on North Korea. And again, time is not of the essence but I think good things will ultimately happen."<br /><br />This seems to be a reaffirmation of his administration's stance that it will not rush into concluding a deal with the North.<br />Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.<br />
