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S. Korea, US, Japan to seek all possible diplomatic options on N. Korea

TOKYO, Oct 18 (KUNA) -- Senior diplomats from South Korea, the US and Japan agreed Wednesday to seek all possible diplomatic options for peacefully and completely resolving the issue of North Korea's nuclear program, the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency reported.
South Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Lim Sung-nam hosted trilateral talks in Seoul with US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Shinsuke Sugiyama.
"We shared our assessments of the current situation and reaffirmed our push for a complete dismantlement of the North's nuclear program through peaceful methods," Lim was quoted as telling reporters in a joint press conference.
"We also agreed to make all possible diplomatic efforts, including sanctions and dialogue, through close coordination among the three countries," said Lim.
"In particular, the three countries held the same view that it is essential to stably manage the situation on the Korean Peninsula, while at the same time keeping pressure on the North to resolve its nuclear problem," he added.
Sullivan emphasized that the US is "dedicated" to diplomacy in resolving the North's nuclear issue and that its aim is to eventually bring the North to the negotiating table.
"We are dedicated to diplomacy. We are dedicated to the campaign of pressure on the DPRK (North Korea), pressure not only by our allies but by other states as well, including China, Russia and other members of the UN Security Council," he said.
"We have to be prepared. For that reason, President Trump, Secretary Mattis and Secretary Tillerson said that all options are on the table. Diplomacy is our primary objective... in addressing the threats posed by North Korea. (But) we are prepared to respond to any eventuality," he added.
For his part, Sugiyama said that it is more important than ever to maintain close three-way cooperation with South Korea and Japan in addressing the North's nuclear issue.
"We also agreed to intensify our cooperative relationship in case tensions escalate further," he said.
The trilateral meeting comes amid tensions prompted by North Korea's sixth nuclear test last month and bellicose rhetoric exchanged between the leaders of the North and the US, both of whom suggested possible military action against each other. (end) mk.sd