State Dept. reaffirms US commitment to 'complete' denuclearization of N. Korea

WASHINGTON — The Department of State on Wednesday reaffirmed the United States' commitment to the "complete" denuclearization of North Korea, amid growing questions if U.S. President Donald Trump would pursue denuclearization should summitry with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un resume.

A spokesperson at the department reaffirmed the commitment in response to Yonhap News Agency's request to confirm that the Trump administration's goal remains the denuclearization of the North.

Last week, Trump declined to answer a reporter's question about whether his goal in reengaging with Kim is denuclearization, raising concerns that Washington could shift its policy focus toward goals short of denuclearization, such as arms control or tension reduction. "The United States remains committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea," the spokesperson said in an email.

Earlier in the day, a U.S. official told Yonhap News Agency that there has been "no change in U.S. policy," in response to a question about the U.S.' commitment to the denuclearization goal.

As Trump seeks a meeting with the North