Trump asked to cancel summit if NK rejects CVID

Hong Joon-pyo, leader of the Liberty Party of Korea speaks during a press conference held for foreign correspondents in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

By Park Ji-won

The leader of South Korea's main opposition party asked U.S. President Donald Trump, Thursday, to withdraw from the planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un if the latter refuses to discuss complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID).

“The summit should ensure a denuclearization agreement based on the CVID,” Liberty Party of Korea (LKP) Chairman Hong Joon-pyo told foreign correspondents in Seoul, Thursday. “If the North refuses it, it is right to cancel the summit. Also, the international society should work together to raise pressure and sanctions on North Korea.”

Hong cautioned that if sanctions are lifted as a result of the summit, the North will upgrade its nuclear weapons and missiles to pose a greater threat to the world.

He emphasized that the North risked a nuclear test again within one year after having an “international show” of destroying a nuclear reactor tower in Yongbyon in North Korea in 2008.

“I think North Korea is sitting at the discussion table not because Kim Jong-un has good intentions or willingness but the result of strong pressure and sanctions from the U.S. and international society.”

His remarks came six days before the historic summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and U.S. leader Donald Trump which is scheduled to be held on June 12. Regarding the denuclearization, Hong's remarks are likely sticking with the stern stance against the North just as its party has insisted that the abolishment of nuclear armament should come first in order to talk about rewards and security for the North Korean regime.

The conservative party delivered a letter, signed by 35 of its lawmakers, to Trump through the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, Thursday. In the letter, they insisted the permanent, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (PVID) must be achieved first to seek the North's denuclearization.

“Mr. Trump, you should not resort to only a political or verbal statement on denuclearization because it does not resolve the issue. That would only help North Korea,” they said in the letter.

In the press conference, Hong also said he opposes the idea of making a declaration of ending the Korean War in Singapore.

“I am definitely against making a statement of ending the Korean War during the U.S.-North summit as well as dealing with reducing or withdrawing U.S. troops in South Korea.”

He added that it is best to make a declaration of the end of the war after achieving denuclearization or making significant progress.

Hong also mentioned, “Having a discussion now with the North about the withdrawal of U.S. troops in South Korea will raise the possibility of the North breaking the agreement as it eliminates the U.S.' options against the North and weakens the foundation of the South Korea-U.S. alliance.”