US special envoy backs unconditional talks with N. Korea

BANGKOK - 15 December 2017: The U.S. special envoy for North Korea on Friday expressed hope that Pyongyang would accept Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's diplomatic offer of unconditional talks, although the overture has already been contradicted by the White House, ABC news reported Friday.

Joseph Yun told reporters in Bangkok that the talks could take place without preconditions and would serve Washington's dual approach of pressure and engagement on Pyongyang over its nuclear program.

In a speech in Washington on Tuesday, Tillerson said the United States will be willing to start diplomatic talks with North Korea without preconditions.

This led to questions on whether the US administration was exploring a new policy on North Korea after previously stating it wouldn't negotiate with North Korean officials unless they were willing to discuss curbing their nuclear weapons and missiles program.