Two Koreas’ leaders in mountain show of unity

Seoul : Kim Jong Un and Moon Jae-in visited the spiritual birthplace of the Korean nation yesterday for a show of unity after their North-South summit gave new momentum to Pyongyang’s negotiations with Washington. The North Korean leader on Wednesday agreed to shutter the Tongchang-ri missile-testing site in the presence of international observers, a move the US welcomed by saying it was ready for immediate talks aimed at denuclearising the North.

Pyongyang also said it could dismantle its best-known nuclear facility at Yongbyon, if the US takes “corresponding measures”, as Kim and the South Korean president held their third summit this year. It is an important caveat -- Moon told reporters on his return to Seoul that the US would need to “end hostile relations with North Korea and provide security guarantees for the North Korean regime”. President Donald Trump welcomed the move, tweeting that Kim had “agreed to allow Nuclear inspections, subject to final negotiations”, adding: “Very exciting!”