'US prefers peaceful resolution on North Korea'

By Kim Hyo-jin

Ahn Ho-young

Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Ahn Ho-Young said Tuesday that the Donald Trump administration is ultimately seeking a peaceful solution to the North Korea issue while heightening pressure and sanctions against the regime.

The remark was made during a National Assembly audit of the Korean embassy in Washington D.C.

“The goal of the Trump administration’s sanctions and pressure campaign is ultimately a peaceful solution to the North Korean problem.” Ahn told the National Assembly delegation.

The top official assured the lawmakers that Washington intends to seek peaceful means before pursuing military options.

It came as fears among South Koreans of a possible war on the Korean Peninsula grew following an exchange of bellicose rhetoric between U.S. President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, along with U.S. top officials touting military options.

“Responsible U.S. government officials say consistently and convincingly that while all options are on the table, there are many things that can be done before taking up military options,” he said, adding it is a “common opinion” of those both in and out of the U.S. government.

“Whether it is Defense Secretary James Mattis or Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, they all say the same thing.”

Ahn dismissed speculation of a conservative opposition lawmaker that there is a rift between South Korea and the U.S. government over a solution to North Korea’s nuclear issue.

“The U.S. does not assess the bilateral relations from one angle only. There’s no rift in the Korea-U.S. alliance,” he said.

He also vowed to continue to put strong pressure on North Korea to denounce its nuclear program in close coordination with the U.S. while seeking to bring its regime to the negotiating table for denuclearization talks.