Sanctions relief for freezing nukes? Trump lays offer to the DPRK

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Politico
13 Dec 2023 20:32

The former president is uncertain about the form and content of the agreement but is likely to suggest a package involving economic sanctions relief.

This photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech in the National Mothers’ Meeting in Pyongyang, North Korea on Dec. 3, 2023. (AP)

Politico reported on Wednesday that former US President Donald Trump is contemplating a deal in which the US would grant the DPRK permission to maintain its nuclear arsenal but with the condition of freezing it, in return for the alleviation of sanctions.

If Trump secures victory in the 2024 presidential race, he may be inclined to accept the presence of the DPRK's nuclear arsenal stocks, the report said, citing three sources familiar with the matter. This inclination is attributed to his belief that negotiations on arms with Pyongyang are ineffective.

The report suggests that Trump is ambitious about reaching an agreement with the DPRK, although the specifics of the deal are yet to be determined.

The former president is uncertain about the form and content of the agreement but is likely to suggest a package involving economic sanctions relief and some form of assistance.

The report highlights a notable shift from Trump's initial presidential term, during which he insisted on the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the DPRK.

Despite this, Trump might now be open to a different approach, possibly aiming for a prolonged process of nuclear disarmament in the DPRK, the report states.

However, it is mentioned in the report that Trump's campaign spokesperson refuted any change in stance on the DPRK. The spokesperson emphasized that the sources were not privy to accurate information and could not speak on behalf of Trump.

Heightened nuclear tensions

On November 23, the DPRK's defense ministry announced through the state's official news agency KCNA that it has officially withdrawn from the 2018 inter-Korean Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA).

The withdrawal signifies a departure from the military confidence-building measures aimed at de-escalating tensions between the DPRK and South Korea.

The decision came a day after South Korea suspended a portion of the CMA in response to the DPRK's launch of a satellite.

The statement issued by Pyongyang emphasized that as a consequence of this withdrawal, the DPRK would be fortifying its border with South Korea. This move indicates an intent to resume all military measures that were previously halted under the CMA, thereby heightening concerns about increased military tension along the shared border.

The DPRK explicitly stated, "From now on, our army will never be bound by the September 19 North-South Military Agreement." It further declared the withdrawal of military steps that were initially implemented to prevent tension and conflict across various domains, including ground, sea, and air. Additionally, the statement highlighted the deployment of more potent armed forces and new-type military hardware along the Military Demarcation Line.