North Korea could develop nuclear weapons WHILE US peace talks take place

NORTH Korea could buy time to refine its deadly nuclear weapons programme on the Korean Peninsula by dragging out any peace talks with Washington, according to US officials and experts.

Trump and KimGETTY

Trump is hoping the peace talks will calm despot Kim Jong-un

Leader Kim Jong-un said he is willing to discuss giving up nuclear weapons if the safety of his country could be guaranteed.

However, experts warned even if freezes missile tests during the talks, they could still be getting ahead with technical work and simply using it as a stalling tactic.

Some officials in Washington told Reuters news agency they are using the talks as a way to buy time to avoid international sanctions while developing weapons in the background.

North Korea can be expected to proceed on all these things unless an agreement freezes or stops these activities

David Albright

The despot Kim has agreed to refrain from conducting nuclear and missile tests while engaging in dialogue with South Korea.

The hermit state has tested dozens of missiles of various types in the past two years, which has included a ballistic missiles capable of hitting anywhere in the United States.

This work could include completing a vehicle that can deliver a nuclear weapon, the production of rocket frames and increasing the output of plutonium and uranium for bomb-making.

Nuclear non-proliferation expert, David Albright said: “North Korea can be expected to proceed on all these things unless an agreement freezes or stops these activities, something unlikely in the short run.”

Kim in meeting GETTY

Kim Jong-un has agreed to diplomatic talks

A senior fellow at Washington’s US-Korea Institute, Joel Wit, said: “These programs are going to continue, but if we have a suspension of nuclear tests and missile tests, that’s a good first step here. It’s better than not having one.”

Some US officials, who wished to remain anonymous, said President Trump would cease the diplomatic talks if North Korea simply tries to drag them out.

Korean PeninsulaGETTY

Tensions have soared on the Korean Peninsula

They said the Trump administration must weigh up risks before going to the negotiating table.

Mr Trump tweeted on Tuesday: “Possible progress being made in talks with North Korea. For the first time in many years, a serious effort is being made by all parties concerned.

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“The world is watching and waiting! May be false hope, but the US is ready to go hard in either direction!”

South Korea President, Moon Jae-in, said yesterday: “Because denuclearisation is our final goal, it may be difficult to move all once toward denuclearisation. What is possible is to agree on a path through different road maps to achieve denuclearisation.”

The announcement of the talks has been seen as a diplomatic accomplishment for President Moon, who used the Winter Olympic Games to try and improve relations with North Korea.

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