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(Bloomberg) – The North Korean economy is in such a critical situation that the reclusive country can not afford to reverse a promise made to Donald Trump to progressively reduce his nuclear program, said South Korean President Moon Jae-in in an interview with Le Figaro.
Addressing the French daily in anticipation of a meeting with President Emmanuel Macron, Moon explained why he felt Kim Jong Un, a North Korean, would keep the promises made at his historic summit with the leader. American in June.
"The economy of North Korea is in great trouble because of international sanctions," said Moon, according to a transcript distributed by his presidential office. "If he breaks the agreement, he will not be able to pay the reprisals of the United States and the international community."
While the North Korean economy has been impoverished for decades, the international community is hungry for news about the consequences of the latest UN sanctions. Last year, the Asian country would have suffered its biggest economic crisis since 1997.
The United States wants to maintain sanctions against North Korea until Kim gives up its nuclear program completely, while Russia and China oppose this uncompromising approach. South Korea said it would consider relaxing its own sanctions against its neighbor in order to forge collaboration on railways and roads, while pledging not to undermine global attempts to to sanction the development of weapons in the North.
Reward Kim
Prior to her visit to Europe, Moon was optimistic about North Korea's decision to cut back on its arms program, telling the BBC that Kim's nuclear promise "included everything" – even by abandoning its existing arsenal. The South Korean president urged the United States to match the North's efforts with reciprocal measures to move the agenda forward.
Moon will also highlight the importance of rewarding the North at its Macron summit, Yonhap News reported, citing Le Figaro. Trump and Kim signed a vague deal in June, which included an undefined commitment to "work towards complete denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula".
Moon is also scheduled to meet Pope Francis on Thursday to present Kim's invitation to the pontiff to travel to Pyongyang.
