US defense chief: Korea talks can't distract from denuclearization
HONOLULU - US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Friday that Olympics talks between North and South Korea should not distract from the internationally agreed goal of denuclearizing the North.
Mattis spoke during a photo session with South Korean Defense Minister Song Young-moo at US Pacific Command headquarters.
Mattis welcomed the North-South talks but said a campaign of diplomatic pressure will continue unabated. He said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un should get the message that his nuclear and missile programs are unacceptable to the international community.
"Diplomacy should impose reason on Kim's reckless rhetoric and dangerous provocations," Mattis said. "The international pressure campaign must continue."
