The accords, reached at the first meeting between the rival Koreas in about two years, were widely viewed as a positive step following a year of escalating tension over Kim’s rapidly advancing nuclear and missile programs. But critics cautioned against reading too much into North Korea’s moves because tensions could flare again quickly as the North still openly seeks to expand its weapons arsenal. They also say Kim may be pushing for better ties with Seoul because North Korea is feeling the pain of US-led international sanctions.During a televised news conference in Seoul, Moon described the North’s Olympic participation as “very desirable,” but said that inter-Korean relations cannot improve without progress in the nuclear standoff, and vice versa. Moon said North Korea will face harsher international sanctions and pressure if it resorts to new provocations, adding that “denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is the path to peace and our goal.” Moon, a liberal who favors a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue, said he “keeps myself open to any meeting including a summit” with Kim if it could help improve inter-Korean ties and resolve the nuclear standoff. He said he will push for more talks and cooperation with North Korea for the same purpose. “To have a summit, some conditions must be established. I think a certain level of success must be guaranteed,” Moon said. US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert welcomed Tuesday’s Korean talks, which she said were “aimed at ensuring a safe, secure and successful” Olympics. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders also said the North’s decision to attend the games presents it with an opportunity to see the value of ending its isolation from the rest of the world.