Kim Jong-un thanks S Korea for Olympics

North Korea’s chief has called for a « further livening up » of the « warm climate of reconciliation » with the South created by the Winter Olympics.

Kim Jong-un, whose nuclear bomb and missile tests be pleased stoked world rigidity, praised the South for web hosting his affirm on the video games in Pyeongchang.

Kim’s apparent Games charm offensive was led by his sister Kim Yo-jong.

South Korean President President Moon Jae-in has within the meantime said the US is start to talking with the North.

He did no longer give an explanation for and can also simply had been relating to a commentary by US Vice-President Mike Pence on his flight reduction to Washington from the Games.

« For people that dangle to be pleased to chat, we will talk, » Mr Pence was quoted as announcing by the Washington Put up.

Whereas the North’s attendance on the Games has been viewed as marking a serious warming in relatives, there be pleased also been concerns that it has allowed it to dangle a propaganda victory.

What else did Mr Kim allege?

He thanked the South for « namely prioritising » the North’s attendance on the Games, North Korean affirm data agency KCNA experiences.

He also gave « significant instructions » on how one can « liven up » the « warm climate of reconciliation and dialogue ».

A image launched by the agency shows Mr Kim flanked by his sister and the North’s ceremonial head of affirm, Kim Yong-nam, every linking arms with him.

How big a propaganda coup has the North scored?

Ms Kim and Mr Kim Yong-nam made up primarily the most senior delegation from the North to talk over with the South for the reason that Korean War within the Fifties.

The two states be pleased never signed a peace treaty and are in a fixed affirm of mutual mistrust.

On Saturday, Ms Kim handed over a letter from her brother to President Moon, consuming him to talk over with Pyongyang. If the summit goes ahead, this can be the critical meeting in higher than a decade between Korean leaders.

Ms Kim’s appearance on the Games has been broadly criticised, as she is on a US sanctions checklist over alleged hyperlinks to human rights abuses in North Korea.

She headed the North’s delegation and has now returned dwelling.

The regime’s human face

By Laura Bicker, BBC Files, Pyeongchang, South Korea

You can virtually undoubtedly feel the ripple of pride as Kim Yo-jong walked into the outlet ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games. Necks craned and cell phones were held aloft to take a gape.

I chanced on myself, along with others, leaning as a ways as I could perchance over the balcony to strive to appear her within the VIP field below. The faces at some stage within the stadium all said one thing: she’s right here, on South Korean soil.

She has given the secretive regime a human face.

Learn more from Laura Bicker.

Her nation is subject to a raft of sanctions from the US, the UN and the EU over its weapons programmes and Japan has said it stays sceptical regarding the « charm offensive ».

« I’m conscious that some people argue that due to the North Korea is partaking in dialogue we must restful reward them, » Foreign Minister Taro Kono said ahead of the Games.

« Frankly I have confidence this thought is simply too naive. I reflect that North Korea desires to steal a whereas to continue their nuclear missile programme. »

What does the US form of the North’s overtures?

Mr Pence wired the US would continue imposing sanctions and inserting strain on Pyongyang.

« The level is, no strain comes off till they are undoubtedly doing one thing that the alliance believes represents a meaningful step toward denuclearization, » Mr Pence advised the Put up.

« So the maximum strain marketing campaign goes to continue and intensify. »

Mr Pence came face to face with Ms Kim on the outlet ceremony of the Winter Olympics, but they did no longer work together.