North and South Korea commit to 'era of no war'

NEWS 19.09.201808:31
Reuters

The two Koreas said they were taking a step closer to peace by signing a joint military agreement that removes the threat of conflict on the Peninsula.

“The era of no war has started,” South Korean President Moon Jae-in announced at joint news conference alongside North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang Wednesday.

Pyongyang also agreed to destroy the Yongbyon nuclear site, which is believed to be used for the production of fissile material for nuclear weapons, if the United States takes “corresponding measures.”

The announcement came as the two leaders met for the third time this year in the North Korean capital, as part of efforts with the US to contain the threat of war after a barrage of North Korean missile tests in 2017.

Moon and Kim also teased a potential historic fourth meeting between the two leaders, this time in the South Korean capital. The agreement stated that Kim would travel to Seoul “as soon as possible,” something no North Korean leader has ever done.

Joint agreement

On the second day of a three-day summit in Pyongyang, the two leaders emerged from behind doors to sign the joint agreement, which they held up for the cameras and sealed with a handshake before both made short statements.

As part of the accord, North Korea committed to permanently close down the Tongchang-ri engine testing and missile launching site under the attendance of relevant experts, the South Korean President announced.