US: North Korea Must Return to 'Diplomatic Path'

The top US envoy of North Korea said on Monday that Pyongyang must return to the "diplomatic path".

Sung Kim, the US Special Representative for North Korea arrived in Seoul on Monday for a five-day visit and met his South Korean counterpart, Noh Kyu Duk.

After talks, the two envoys condemned "recent escalatory actions" by Pyongyang, including what they say were "at least three" launches of international ballistic missiles.

"We agreed on the need for a strong response to the destabilizing behavior of North Korea," Kim said.

Pyongyang has conducted more than 10 weapons tests this year. The latest one was at the weekend of a short-range missile that Pyongyang said would enhance the "effectiveness of tactical nuclear weapons."

The arrival of the US envoy comes at a time when Seoul and Washington launched annual joint military exercises lasting 9 days. This type of exercise has long angered Pyongyang, which sees it as a war preparation.

Contributed by Israa Farhan