A senior U.S. diplomat said Monday that Washington won't accept a year-end deadline set by North Korea to make concessions in stalled nuclear talks and urged Pyongyang to return to a negotiating table immediately.
"On this point, let me be absolutely clear: The United States does not have a deadline," Stephen Biegun, the U.S. special representative for North Korea, told reporters. "We are fully aware of the strong potential for North Korea to conduct a major provocation in the days ahead. To say the least, such an action will be most unhelpful in achieving lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula."
Biegun, who was in Seoul for talks with South Korean officials, called on North Korea to sit down for talks.
First published: 08:59, 12.16.19