North Korean leader vows to normalize inter-Korean liaison hotlines in early Oct.

While testing out what could be its first hypersonic missile in its latest weapon provocation, North Korea heled out an olive branch with its leader Kim Jong-un promising to restore communication lines with the South by early next month to “improve strained relations as soon as possible,” according to state media Korean Central News Agency. Although the lines were restored in late July, the North has not responded to Seoul’s regular calls. Kim’s remarks were made in the second-day session of the Supreme People’s Assembly meeting on Wednesday. In response to South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s recent remarks on formally ending the Korean War, Kim said that “respect” between each other should be guaranteed and “hostile perspectives and policies” should be withdrawn first. He maintained hostile rhetoric towards the U.S.

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