But any diplomatic agreement seems unlikely as no one knows what hermit leader Kim Jong-un actually wants, Bill Richardson said. <\/p>\n
North Korea's defiance to carry out missile tests should be of grave concern to the whole world, Mr Richardson chillingly warned. <\/p>\n
The United States and South Korea today launched a joint air force military exercise in response to the reclusive nationals provocations over recent weeks. <\/p>\n
GETTY <\/p>\n
He doesnt talk to anybody, he just conducts a lot of missile tests <\/p>\n
Bill Richardson <\/p>\n
The US says it is also working on a range of options with China, Pyongyangs sole ally, to find a solution to end the current crisis. <\/p>\n
However, even with Americas ability to align itself with the Chinese, a former US diplomat warns it may not be enough to stop North Koreas crackpot leader. <\/p>\n
Speaking on Radio 4 on Monday, Bill Richardson said: China is moving in the direction of pressuring North Korea a lot more than it has in the past and it may make a small difference. <\/p>\n
GETTY <\/p>\n
I believe its going to take a deal between the United States and North Korea to bring the missile tests to a standstill, perhaps a moratorium involving South Korea, Japan. <\/p>\n
A multi-party deal that in exchange for a moratorium, North Korea might get some energy assistance, maybe some lifting of sanctions, some humanitarian assistance. <\/p>\n
Mr Richardson, who has visited the reclusive nation eight times and negotiated prisoner release talks, warned of the risks dealing with the unpredictable Kim Jong-un. <\/p>\n
GETTY <\/p>\n
You dont know what he wants, he continued. He doesnt talk to anybody, he just conducts a lot of missile tests, nuclear weapons tests. <\/p>\n
So its a very uncertain, a very unstable situation in the Korean peninsula that should be a concern for the entire international community. <\/p>\n
North Koreahas held a series of large-scale parades in the past week, including a huge celebration and military ceremony on Saturday. <\/p>\n
And on Sunday, the secretive state carried its latest missile test which failed after an explosion was heard seconds after launch. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, about 1,000 US airmen and fighter jets partnered with the South Korean Air Force in a joint training exercise on Monday, according to Pacific Command. <\/p>\n
1 of 11 <\/p>\n
Codenamed Max Thunder, the allies undertook the military exercise in an effort to ensure theyre ready to combat the Norths provocations. <\/p>\n
Lt. Gen. Thomas W. Bergeson, 7th Air Force commander, said: Exercise Max Thunder serves as an invaluable opportunity for US and South Korean forces to train together shoulder-to-shoulder and sharpen tactical skills vital to the defence and security of the Korean Peninsula. <\/p>\n
This exercise will rigorously test our aerial combat capability and highlights the ironclad commitment between the U.S. and (South Korea), and the multifaceted capabilities we possess in this theatre. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Go here to see the original:<\/p>\n
US must strike deal with North Korea to stop WW3 but 'nobody knows what Kim wants' - Express.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" But any diplomatic agreement seems unlikely as no one knows what hermit leader Kim Jong-un actually wants, Bill Richardson said. North Korea's defiance to carry out missile tests should be of grave concern to the whole world, Mr Richardson chillingly warned Continue reading