North Korea confirmed its named a former army colonel as its top diplomat in what analysts say is the latest sign of a shift away from talks with the U.S. over its nuclear weapons program.
North Korea confirmed the change in a state media report on Friday, saying Ri had attended a reception for foreign diplomats in Pyongyang.
After months without talks, the two sides passed Kim Jong Un's year-end ultimatum to President Donald Trump to change his negotiating position or North Korea would abandon talks. In a New Year's Eve speech, Kim called for a"new path" from talks and"positive and offensive measures" to boost North Korea's security, while stressing a"self-reliant" economy amid international sanctions.
Ri Son-gwon, chairman of North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Country, speaks during a ceremony in the North Korean border town of Kaesong, North Korea, Sept. 14, 2018.Ri's"appointment is just an affirmation that is indeed the direction that North Korea intends to go.
MORE: North Korea may have reconsidered 'Christmas gift': Trump national security adviser Robert O'Brien
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