North Korea likely to pursue talks, South says in rosy 2018 forecast

US diplomats have made clear they are seeking a diplomatic solution but Trump has derided talks as useless

South Korea predicted on Tuesday that North Korea would look to open negotiations with the United States next year in an optimistic outlook for 2018, even as Seoul set up a specialised military team to confront nuclear threats from the North.

The UN Security Council unanimously imposed new, tougher sanctions on reclusive North Korea on Friday for its recent intercontinental ballistic missile test, a move the North branded an economic blockade and act of war.

“North Korea will seek negotiation with United States while continuing to pursue its effort to be recognised as a de facto nuclear-possessing country,” South