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S. Korean Pres. urges US, N. Korea to seize dialogue chance

TOKYO, Aug 19 (KUNA) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in called on North Korea and the US, on Monday, to seize the current chance to achieve denuclearization, as Seoul and Washington are wrapping up their combined military drills, Yonhap News Agency reported.
"If this opportunity is lost, there's no saying when we will be able to create this opportunity again," Moon was quoted, as saying at his weekly meeting with top presidential aides in Seoul.
The Koreas and the US should cherish the chance like "a thousand pieces of gold" and seize it, he said. The US and South Korea kicked off the "command-post" exercise on August fifth.
In response, Pyongyang demonstrated its own firepower with the test-firing of a salvo of short-range missiles and other rocket systems.
The allies plan to end the training Tuesday, which is expected to help cool renewed tensions on the peninsula. Pyongyang and Washington are seeking to hold working-level talks for a third summit.
Moon emphasized the need to avoid acts to obstruct dialogue, apparently alluding to the North's recent missile launches and warning messages. Last week, the North's organ dealing with inter-Korean affairs issued a strong-worded statement criticizing Moon.
The Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country said Pyongyang would never sit down with Seoul for talks. It also warned Moon against expecting that talks will resume "automatically" after the allies' drills finish. (end) mk.gta