South Korea reiterates position that denuclearization be put before dialogue with DPRK

South Korea's foreign ministry reiterated its position on Tuesday that denuclearization should be put before the resumption of dialogue with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) amid expectations that Pyongyang may start efforts at dialogue after its historic ruling party convention.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho June-Hyuk told a regular press briefing that denuclearization on the Korean peninsula should be prioritized under any situations, saying that it would be useless to resume any dialogue that has no meaningful, substantial progress.

Speculation emerged that Pyongyang may push for dialogue with the international community, especially South Korea and the United States, to break the difficulties caused by harsher-than-ever UN Security Council sanctions over the DPRK's fourth nuclear test in February.

South Korea's military predicted the DPRK's fifth nuclear test in and around the seventh Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) convention set to kick off on Friday, and some of security experts had estimated that Pyongyang could embark on efforts for peace and dialogue after another nuclear detonation.

Cho said it would be premature to discuss dialogue with the DPRK amid lingering expectations for the country's fifth nuclear test and other provocations.

The spokesman also mentioned the DPRK's claim as a nuclear weapons state, continued launches of ballistic missiles and belligerent rhetoric to conduct nuclear strikes against Seoul and Washington, saying it would be important for Pyongyang to show its sincere attitude first. Enditem