SEOUL, South Korea: Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the United Nations, visited the heavily-fortified border between North and South Korea on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of Pyongyang resuming dialogue as global efforts to enforce UN sanctions face obstacles.
Thomas-Greenfield’s visit to South Korea is part of a diplomatic mission aimed at maintaining pressure on North Korea following Russia’s recent veto at the UN, which effectively halted monitoring of sanctions violations against Kim Jong Un’s regime.
At the demilitarized zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Thomas-Greenfield reiterated that the United States holds no hostile intentions toward North Korea and remains open to meaningful diplomacy without preconditions. She urged Pyongyang to seize the opportunity for productive dialogue by agreeing to engage in talks.
Washington and Seoul have criticized Russia’s veto as “irresponsible,” attributing it to growing ties between North Korea and Moscow, including alleged arms transfers. Thomas-Greenfield expressed concern over North Korea’s strengthening relationship with Russia and China, calling on both countries to reverse their stance and encourage Pyongyang to pursue diplomatic solutions.
The DMZ, a symbolic site for inter-Korean relations, has hosted significant diplomatic encounters, including the impromptu meeting between former US President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un in 2019. Despite past diplomatic efforts, recent developments underscore the challenges in achieving denuclearization and regional stability.
