The issue of US troops stationed in South Korea will not be "on the table" at a summit between President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Saturday.

"That issue is not on the table here in Singapore on the 12th (of June), nor should it be," he said at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a security summit in Singapore, referring to the scheduled date of the Trump-Kim meeting.

There are currently some 28,500 US forces based in the South.

Trump said Friday he will meet Kim for the historic summit as originally scheduled after extraordinary Oval Office talks with a top envoy from Pyongyang.

Trump told reporters that denuclearisation -- and a formal end to the decades-old Korean war -- would be on the table in Singapore.

However, Mattis stressed that "any discussion about the number of US troops in the Republic of Korea is subject to... the Republic of Korea's invitation to have them there, and the discussions between the United States and the Republic of Korea, separate and distinct from the negotiations that are going on with DPRK (North Korea).

"That issue will not come up in the discussion with DPRK."

But he added: "Obviously if the diplomats can do their work, if we can reduce the threat, if we can restore confidence-building measures with something verifiable, then, of course, these kinds of issues can come up subsequently between (South Korea and the US)."

Last month, South Korean President Moon Jae-in dismissed claims that US troops stationed in the country -- based on Seoul's alliance with Washington -- would have to leave if a peace treaty was signed with the North.

The issue of US troops stationed in South Korea will not be "on the table" at a summit between President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Saturday

The issue of US troops stationed in South Korea will not be "on the table" at a summit between President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Saturday. "That issue is not on the table here in Singapore on the 12th (of June), nor should it be," he said at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a security summit in Singapore, referring to the scheduled date of the Trump-Kim meeting. There are currently some 28,500 US forces based in the South. Trump said Friday he will meet Kim for the historic summit as originally scheduled after extraordinary Oval Office talks with a top envoy from Pyongyang. Trump told reporters that denuclearisation -- and a formal end to the decades-old Korean war -- would be on the table in Singapore. However, Mattis stressed that "any discussion about the number of US troops in the Republic of Korea is subject to... the Republic of Korea's invitation to have them there, and the discussions between the United States and the Republic of Korea, separate and distinct from the negotiations that are going on with DPRK (North Korea). "That issue will not come up in the discussion with DPRK." But he added: "Obviously if the diplomats can do their work, if we can reduce the threat, if we can restore confidence-building measures with something verifiable, then, of course, these kinds of issues can come up subsequently between (South Korea and the US)." Last month, South Korean President Moon Jae-in dismissed claims that US troops stationed in the country -- based on Seoul's alliance with Washington -- would have to leave if a peace treaty was signed with the North.

US troop presence in South Korea not 'on table' at Trump-Kim summit: Mattis

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's right-hand man met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday to deliver a letter from his leader that could pave the way to a historic nuclear summit.

Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of North Korea's ruling party executive and a veteran regime insider, arrived for his Oval Office encounter accompanied by the senior US officials who have overseen an extraordinary diplomatic opening.

Both sides have committed themselves to the "denuclearization" of the Korean peninsula, but it is far from clear if Trump's mission to secure Pyongyang's complete disarmament can be aligned with Kim's quest to win international respect and protection.

On Thursday, after talks with Kim Yong Chol in New York, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed confidence that the process was moving in the right direction, but warned that the North's young leader must be bold enough to make a "strategic shift" in understanding that he will be safer without nuclear weapons.

On the same day in Pyongyang, Kim Jong Un told Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that his commitment to denuclearization remains "unchanged and consistent and fixed," but experts warn that he will likely seek deep concessions from Washington.

In particular, he wants a formal end to the Korean conflict and is likely to seek international recognition and guarantees against any strike by the US forces stationed across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in South Korea.

US officials said that at the White House, Kim Yong Chol would deliver a letter that may not clear up all the questions about the agenda but may bring the planned Singapore meeting a step closer.

The delivery comes only a week after Trump threatened to consign the entire process to history, abruptly cancelling the summit in a sharply-worded letter, only to revive preparations shortly afterwards.

Since that short-lived crisis, diplomats from both countries have conducted an intense flurry of talks, culminating this week when Pompeo sat down in New York with Kim's envoy.

"It will take bold leadership from Chairman Kim Jong Un if we were able to seize this once in a lifetime opportunity to change the course for the world," Pompeo said Thursday.

"President Trump and I believe Chairman Kim is the kind of leader who can make those kind of decisions, and in the coming weeks and months, we will have the opportunity to test whether or not this is the case."

Strategic shift 
Pompeo also said that, after what have now been two meetings with Kim Jong Un and three with Kim Yong Chol, he believes the North is at least ready to consider addressing US demands for denuclearization.

"I believe they are contemplating a path forward. They can make a strategic shift. One that their country has not been prepared to make before. This will obviously be their decision," he said.

US officials now expect the summit to go ahead, but they want Pyongyang to accept that nuclear disarmament be at the heart of the discussion -- and warn there can be no end to sanctions without it.

Asked whether the answer would come on Friday in the letter, Pompeo said he did not know but added: "We have made real progress in the last 72 hours toward setting the conditions."

"The conditions are putting President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un in a place where we think there could be real progress made by the two of them meeting," he said.

Russia urges caution 
The flurry of diplomacy has also seen a rapprochement on the Korean peninsula, with the two Koreas holding high-level talks Friday at the border truce village of Panmunjom to discuss their ongoing efforts to improve ties.

The meeting followed two landmark summits between the leaders of North and South Korea in the last five weeks.

The two Koreas agreed to hold more meetings throughout this month to carry out the agreements reached between their leaders at the April summit, a joint statement said following Friday's talks.

Even as the summit preparations continued, Japan on Friday said it had reported to the United Nations a suspected North Korean sanctions violation involving a ship-to-ship cargo transfer.

The official, Kim Yong Chol, was greeted by White House chief of staff John Kelly, who led him to the Oval Office for talks with Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, according to press secretary Sarah Sanders

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un's right-hand man met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday to deliver a letter from his leader that could pave the way to a historic nuclear summit. Kim Yong Chol, vice chairman of North Korea's ruling party executive and a veteran regime insider, arrived for his Oval Office encounter accompanied by the senior US officials who have overseen an extraordinary diplomatic opening. Both sides have committed themselves to the "denuclearization" of the Korean peninsula, but it is far from clear if Trump's mission to secure Pyongyang's complete disarmament can be aligned with Kim's quest to win international respect and protection. On Thursday, after talks with Kim Yong Chol in New York, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed confidence that the process was moving in the right direction, but warned that the North's young leader must be bold enough to make a "strategic shift" in understanding that he will be safer without nuclear weapons. On the same day in Pyongyang, Kim Jong Un told Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that his commitment to denuclearization remains "unchanged and consistent and fixed," but experts warn that he will likely seek deep concessions from Washington. In particular, he wants a formal end to the Korean conflict and is likely to seek international recognition and guarantees against any strike by the US forces stationed across the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in South Korea. US officials said that at the White House, Kim Yong Chol would deliver a letter that may not clear up all the questions about the agenda but may bring the planned Singapore meeting a step closer. The delivery comes only a week after Trump threatened to consign the entire process to history, abruptly cancelling the summit in a sharply-worded letter, only to revive preparations shortly afterwards. Since that short-lived crisis, diplomats from both countries have conducted an intense flurry of talks, culminating this week when Pompeo sat down in New York with Kim's envoy. "It will take bold leadership from Chairman Kim Jong Un if we were able to seize this once in a lifetime opportunity to change the course for the world," Pompeo said Thursday. "President Trump and I believe Chairman Kim is the kind of leader who can make those kind of decisions, and in the coming weeks and months, we will have the opportunity to test whether or not this is the case." Strategic shift Pompeo also said that, after what have now been two meetings with Kim Jong Un and three with Kim Yong Chol, he believes the North is at least ready to consider addressing US demands for denuclearization. "I believe they are contemplating a path forward. They can make a strategic shift. One that their country has not been prepared to make before. This will obviously be their decision," he said. US officials now expect the summit to go ahead, but they want Pyongyang to accept that nuclear disarmament be at the heart of the discussion -- and warn there can be no end to sanctions without it. Asked whether the answer would come on Friday in the letter, Pompeo said he did not know but added: "We have made real progress in the last 72 hours toward setting the conditions." "The conditions are putting President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un in a place where we think there could be real progress made by the two of them meeting," he said. Russia urges caution The flurry of diplomacy has also seen a rapprochement on the Korean peninsula, with the two Koreas holding high-level talks Friday at the border truce village of Panmunjom to discuss their ongoing efforts to improve ties. The meeting followed two landmark summits between the leaders of North and South Korea in the last five weeks. The two Koreas agreed to hold more meetings throughout this month to carry out the agreements reached between their leaders at the April summit, a joint statement said following Friday's talks. Even as the summit preparations continued, Japan on Friday said it had reported to the United Nations a suspected North Korean sanctions violation involving a ship-to-ship cargo transfer.

Kim Jong-Un's right-hand man meets Trump at White House

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he was expecting to receive a message from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as the two sides scramble to revive a summit previously set for next month between the two leaders.

"I look forward to seeing what's in the letter. They will probably be coming to Washington DC on Friday to deliver the letter so I look forward to that," Trump said before heading to Texas for the day.

He also said that meetings in New York between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and top North Korean official Kim Yong Chol, which resumed early Thursday, were going "very well."

There were reports earlier on Wednesday that South&nbspKorean officials were noting "quite significant" differences between the United States and&nbspNorth&nbspKorea&nbspover denuclearization.

The New York meetings follow high-level conversations Pompeo held in&nbspNorth&nbspKorea&nbspin April and earlier in May and are intended to get negotiations between the two long-time adversaries back on track.

The United States has been demanding that&nbspNorth&nbspKorea&nbspabandon its nuclear weapons programme amid reports that it is close to being able to launch a nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the United States.

He also said that meetings in New York between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and top North Korean official Kim Yong Chol, which resumed early Thursday, were going very well

US President Donald Trump said Thursday he was expecting to receive a message from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as the two sides scramble to revive a summit previously set for next month between the two leaders. "I look forward to seeing what's in the letter. They will probably be coming to Washington DC on Friday to deliver the letter so I look forward to that," Trump said before heading to Texas for the day. He also said that meetings in New York between Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and top North Korean official Kim Yong Chol, which resumed early Thursday, were going "very well." There were reports earlier on Wednesday that South&nbspKorean officials were noting "quite significant" differences between the United States and&nbspNorth&nbspKorea&nbspover denuclearization. The New York meetings follow high-level conversations Pompeo held in&nbspNorth&nbspKorea&nbspin April and earlier in May and are intended to get negotiations between the two long-time adversaries back on track. The United States has been demanding that&nbspNorth&nbspKorea&nbspabandon its nuclear weapons programme amid reports that it is close to being able to launch a nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the United States.

Trump says expecting letter from Kim Jong Un ahead of summit

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Thursday, the Russian foreign ministry said, and invited him to visit Russia.

Lavrov visited the secretive state ahead of a possible landmark summit between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader in June.

Russia has appeared to be on the fringes of a flurry of international diplomacy as North Korea and the United States have taken steps to set up talks aimed at ending years of tension over Pyongyang's nuclear programme.

Lavrov on Thursday passed on good wishes to Kim from Russian President Vladimir Putin and invited him to visit Moscow, TV footage showed.

"Come to Russia. We would be very happy to see you," Lavrov, seated across a table from Kim, said.

He expressed Moscow's support for the declaration between North and South Korea last month in which they agreed to work for the denuclearisation of the peninsula.

Lavrov also held talks with his North Korean counterpart, Ri Yong Ho, in what was his first trip to North Korea since 2009, Russian news agencies said.

Lavrov said Moscow hoped all sides would take a delicate approach to possible forthcoming talks on a nuclear settlement on the peninsula and not try to rush the process.

"This will allow for the realisation not only of the denuclearisation of the whole Korean peninsula but also to provide sustainable peace and stability across north-east Asia," Lavrov was quoted as saying by his ministry.

Lavrov visited the secretive state ahead of a possible landmark summit between US President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader in June

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Thursday, the Russian foreign ministry said, and invited him to visit Russia. Lavrov visited the secretive state ahead of a possible landmark summit between US President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader in June. Russia has appeared to be on the fringes of a flurry of international diplomacy as North Korea and the United States have taken steps to set up talks aimed at ending years of tension over Pyongyang's nuclear programme. Lavrov on Thursday passed on good wishes to Kim from Russian President Vladimir Putin and invited him to visit Moscow, TV footage showed. "Come to Russia. We would be very happy to see you," Lavrov, seated across a table from Kim, said. He expressed Moscow's support for the declaration between North and South Korea last month in which they agreed to work for the denuclearisation of the peninsula. Lavrov also held talks with his North Korean counterpart, Ri Yong Ho, in what was his first trip to North Korea since 2009, Russian news agencies said. Lavrov said Moscow hoped all sides would take a delicate approach to possible forthcoming talks on a nuclear settlement on the peninsula and not try to rush the process. "This will allow for the realisation not only of the denuclearisation of the whole Korean peninsula but also to provide sustainable peace and stability across north-east Asia," Lavrov was quoted as saying by his ministry.

Russia's Lavrov meets North Korea's Kim in Pyongyang, invites him to Moscow

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met North Korea leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Thursday and has invited him to visit Russia.

"Come to Russia, we'll be very happy to see you," Lavrov told Kim in remarks released by the Russian foreign ministry.

Lavrov also passed on best wishes to Kim from President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, saying he wished him success in the "major undertakings that have been initiated on the Korean peninsula", the ministry said in a statement.

Lavrov who travelled to Pyongyang on Thursday told Kim that Moscow supported peace and progress on the Korean peninsula and highly valued a declaration signed by Pyongyang and Seoul.

It remains unclear whether Kim has accepted the invitation. Should he decide to go, it will represent the first visit by a North Korean leader to Russia since his father Kim Jong Il visited Russia in August 2011.

As per reports, Russia is particularly interested in projects involving the construction of gas pipelines and railways connecting the two Koreas to Russia.&nbsp

Lavrov's visit to Pyongyang, which was announced on Wednesday, comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity to organise a landmark summit between Donald Trump and Kim, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also meeting Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol in New York late Wednesday.

Last month North Korea's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho held rare talks with Lavrov in Moscow as Pyongyang moves to improve strained ties with global powers.

Lavrov who travelled to Pyongyang on Thursday told Kim that Moscow supported peace and progress on the Korean peninsula and highly valued a declaration signed by Pyongyang and Seoul

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met North Korea leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang on Thursday and has invited him to visit Russia. "Come to Russia, we'll be very happy to see you," Lavrov told Kim in remarks released by the Russian foreign ministry. Lavrov also passed on best wishes to Kim from President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, saying he wished him success in the "major undertakings that have been initiated on the Korean peninsula", the ministry said in a statement. Lavrov who travelled to Pyongyang on Thursday told Kim that Moscow supported peace and progress on the Korean peninsula and highly valued a declaration signed by Pyongyang and Seoul. It remains unclear whether Kim has accepted the invitation. Should he decide to go, it will represent the first visit by a North Korean leader to Russia since his father Kim Jong Il visited Russia in August 2011. As per reports, Russia is particularly interested in projects involving the construction of gas pipelines and railways connecting the two Koreas to Russia. Lavrov's visit to Pyongyang, which was announced on Wednesday, comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity to organise a landmark summit between Donald Trump and Kim, with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also meeting Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol in New York late Wednesday. Last month North Korea's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho held rare talks with Lavrov in Moscow as Pyongyang moves to improve strained ties with global powers.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov invites Kim Jong-Un to Russia

When Kim Yong Chol lands in New York this week, he will become the most senior North Korean envoy to hold talks with American officials on US&nbsp;soil&nbsp;in 18 years.

The former spy chief is a trusted adviser to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, playing a pivotal role in preparations for a historic summit between Kim and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump.

In a sign of his importance, Trump announced Kim Yong Chol's New York trip on Twitter&nbsp;on Tuesday.

The White House said he would meet US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo later this week, the most high-level contact between the two countries in the United States since Jo Myong Rok, a marshal, met President Bill Clinton in 2000.

DIPLOMATIC HEAVYWEIGHT

Kim Yong Chol is a four-star general, vice chairman of the ruling Workers` Party`s Central Committee, and director of the United Front Department, which is responsible for inter-Korean relations.

Such positions, and his omnipresence before and during inter-Korean summits in April and&nbsp;on Saturday, making him one of the most powerful people in North Korea, South Korean officials say.

He has played a central role in the recent thaw in relations between the North and South Korea, as well as the United States.

Sent as Kim Jong Un`s envoy to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, Kim Yong Chol told South Korean President Moon Jae-in Pyongyang was open to talks with Washington, the first indication North Korea was changing course after

months of trading threats and insults with the United States.

He and Kim Jong Un`s sister, Kim Yo Jong, were the only two officials to join the North Korean leader at the two inter-Korean summits.

He also coordinated Kim Jong Un`s two meetings with Pompeo in Pyongyang.

SPY UNDER SANCTIONS

Kim Yong Chol was previously chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a top North Korean military intelligence agency, and has spent nearly 30 years as a senior member of the intelligence community.

The United States and South Korea blacklisted him for supporting the North`s nuclear and missile programmes in 2010 and 2016, respectively.

A visit to the United States would indicate a waiver was granted.

He was accused by South Korea of masterminding deadly attacks on a South Korean navy ship and an island in 2010.

He was also linked by US&nbsp;intelligence to a devastating cyber attack on Sony Pictures in 2014.

North Korea denied any involvement in either incident.

Kim Yong Chol "stormed out of the room" during military talks in 2014 when the South demanded an apology for the 2010 attacks, according to South Korean officials.&nbsp;

"He is a tough negotiator and an expert on inter-Korean talks, but it is true that he had been a symbol of hawks rather than harmony and reconciliation until this year," said Moon Sang-gyun, a former South Korean defence official.&nbsp;

BODYGUARD TO KIM`S FATHER

Kim Yong Chol served in the military police in the demilitarized zone on the border of the two Koreas.

He was also a bodyguard to Kim Jong Il, the former leader and late father of Kim Jong Un, according to North Korea Leadership Watch, an affiliate of the 38 North think tank.

He has been closely linked to Kim Jong Un's succession and has been seen flanking the leader on several public visits.

Kim Yong Chol is known to be difficult to work with, sarcastic and not sufficiently deferential to his superiors, Leadership Watch said.

He has also suffered tough times. South Korea`s intelligence agency said in 2015 Kim Yong Chol was demoted to a three-star general after dozing off during a meeting.&nbsp;

In 2016, Seoul`s unification ministry said he was briefly sent to a re-education camp for his "overbearing" manner and abuse of power.

The former spy chief Kim Yong Chol is a trusted adviser to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, playing a pivotal role in preparations for a historic summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump

When Kim Yong Chol lands in New York this week, he will become the most senior North Korean envoy to hold talks with American officials on US soil in 18 years. The former spy chief is a trusted adviser to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, playing a pivotal role in preparations for a historic summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump. In a sign of his importance, Trump announced Kim Yong Chol's New York trip on Twitter on Tuesday. The White House said he would meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo later this week, the most high-level contact between the two countries in the United States since Jo Myong Rok, a marshal, met President Bill Clinton in 2000. DIPLOMATIC HEAVYWEIGHT Kim Yong Chol is a four-star general, vice chairman of the ruling Workers` Party`s Central Committee, and director of the United Front Department, which is responsible for inter-Korean relations. Such positions, and his omnipresence before and during inter-Korean summits in April and on Saturday, making him one of the most powerful people in North Korea, South Korean officials say. He has played a central role in the recent thaw in relations between the North and South Korea, as well as the United States. Sent as Kim Jong Un`s envoy to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, Kim Yong Chol told South Korean President Moon Jae-in Pyongyang was open to talks with Washington, the first indication North Korea was changing course after months of trading threats and insults with the United States. He and Kim Jong Un`s sister, Kim Yo Jong, were the only two officials to join the North Korean leader at the two inter-Korean summits. He also coordinated Kim Jong Un`s two meetings with Pompeo in Pyongyang. SPY UNDER SANCTIONS Kim Yong Chol was previously chief of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a top North Korean military intelligence agency, and has spent nearly 30 years as a senior member of the intelligence community. The United States and South Korea blacklisted him for supporting the North`s nuclear and missile programmes in 2010 and 2016, respectively. A visit to the United States would indicate a waiver was granted. He was accused by South Korea of masterminding deadly attacks on a South Korean navy ship and an island in 2010. He was also linked by US intelligence to a devastating cyber attack on Sony Pictures in 2014. North Korea denied any involvement in either incident. Kim Yong Chol "stormed out of the room" during military talks in 2014 when the South demanded an apology for the 2010 attacks, according to South Korean officials. "He is a tough negotiator and an expert on inter-Korean talks, but it is true that he had been a symbol of hawks rather than harmony and reconciliation until this year," said Moon Sang-gyun, a former South Korean defence official. BODYGUARD TO KIM`S FATHER Kim Yong Chol served in the military police in the demilitarized zone on the border of the two Koreas. He was also a bodyguard to Kim Jong Il, the former leader and late father of Kim Jong Un, according to North Korea Leadership Watch, an affiliate of the 38 North think tank. He has been closely linked to Kim Jong Un's succession and has been seen flanking the leader on several public visits. Kim Yong Chol is known to be difficult to work with, sarcastic and not sufficiently deferential to his superiors, Leadership Watch said. He has also suffered tough times. South Korea`s intelligence agency said in 2015 Kim Yong Chol was demoted to a three-star general after dozing off during a meeting. In 2016, Seoul`s unification ministry said he was briefly sent to a re-education camp for his "overbearing" manner and abuse of power.

The man sent by North Korean leader to US for high-level talks

Ahead of the possible summit between the United States and North Korea, former North Korea spy chief and senior official Kim Yong Chol headed to Washington reportedly for talks with US officials, news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday.

According to reports, he stopped over Beijing, China -- an ally of North Korea -- while he was heading to Washington.&nbsp

Kim Yong Chol has been closely involved with talks with South Korea as well and his visit to the United States would further indicate preparations for the historic summit is moving ahead.

Meanwhile on Sunday also, US and North Korean officials met at a border village to resume the preparations for the first summit.

He had called off the planned summit last week citing "open hostility", from the North.&nbsp

However, On Saturday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-moon-jae-in-may-attend-us-north-korea-summit-report-140328">Kim and Moon Jae-in held talks in a surprise meeting</a> at the Panmunjom border truce village to ensure a successful US-North Korea summit.

On Friday Trump informed that it is back on track and it would take place on an originally scheduled date and place.

&nbsp

According to reports, he stopped over Beijing, China -- an ally of North Korea -- while he was heading to Washington

Ahead of the possible summit between the United States and North Korea, former North Korea spy chief and senior official Kim Yong Chol headed to Washington reportedly for talks with US officials, news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday. According to reports, he stopped over Beijing, China -- an ally of North Korea -- while he was heading to Washington. Kim Yong Chol has been closely involved with talks with South Korea as well and his visit to the United States would further indicate preparations for the historic summit is moving ahead. Meanwhile on Sunday also, US and North Korean officials met at a border village to resume the preparations for the first summit. He had called off the planned summit last week citing "open hostility", from the North. However, On Saturday Kim and Moon Jae-in held talks in a surprise meeting at the Panmunjom border truce village to ensure a successful US-North Korea summit. On Friday Trump informed that it is back on track and it would take place on an originally scheduled date and place.

Former North Korea spy chief on his way to Washington for talks with US officials: Report

President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed Monday that it is "imperative" to completely dismantle North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program, the White House said.

The US and Japanese leaders will meet ahead of a much-anticipated summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un back on schedule for June 12 in Singapore just days after Trump announced he was cancelling it.&nbsp;

The American president said the summit could go ahead as planned following a more appealing statement from Pyongyang and productive talks with North Korean officials.

Japan, which has by far the hardest line compared to neighbours China and South Korea, has been left uneasy by the pace of events, and by what it sees as an unwarranted softening toward an untrustworthy Pyongyang.

Abe and Trump spoke by telephone a day after American and North Korean officials met at a border truce village to prepare for the summit.

During a telephone call, the pair "discussed recent developments in North Korea and confirmed they would meet again to continue close coordination in advance of the expected meeting between the United States and North Korea," a White House statement read.

"The president and prime minister affirmed the shared imperative of achieving the complete and permanent dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missile programs."

Washington wants North Korea to quickly give up all its nuclear weapons in a verifiable way in return for sanctions and economic relief.&nbsp;

Pyongyang has a different view of denuclearization and remains deeply worried that abandoning its deterrent would leave the country -- and its leader -- vulnerable, especially while the United States maintains a robust military presence in South Korea.

The US and Japanese leaders will meet ahead of a much-anticipated summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un back on schedule for June 12 in Singapore

President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agreed Monday that it is "imperative" to completely dismantle North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile program, the White House said. The US and Japanese leaders will meet ahead of a much-anticipated summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un back on schedule for June 12 in Singapore just days after Trump announced he was cancelling it. The American president said the summit could go ahead as planned following a more appealing statement from Pyongyang and productive talks with North Korean officials. Japan, which has by far the hardest line compared to neighbours China and South Korea, has been left uneasy by the pace of events, and by what it sees as an unwarranted softening toward an untrustworthy Pyongyang. Abe and Trump spoke by telephone a day after American and North Korean officials met at a border truce village to prepare for the summit. During a telephone call, the pair "discussed recent developments in North Korea and confirmed they would meet again to continue close coordination in advance of the expected meeting between the United States and North Korea," a White House statement read. "The president and prime minister affirmed the shared imperative of achieving the complete and permanent dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missile programs." Washington wants North Korea to quickly give up all its nuclear weapons in a verifiable way in return for sanctions and economic relief. Pyongyang has a different view of denuclearization and remains deeply worried that abandoning its deterrent would leave the country -- and its leader -- vulnerable, especially while the United States maintains a robust military presence in South Korea.

Trump, Abe say 'imperative' to dismantle North Korean weapons

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that several meetings were being carried out between the US and North Korea ahead of the historic summit and confirmed that a top North Korean official was en route to New York.

"We have put a great team together for our talks with North Korea. Meetings are currently taking place concerning Summit, and more. Kim Young Chol, the Vice Chairman of North Korea, heading now to New York. Solid response to my letter, thank you!" Trump said in a Twitter post.

Earlier, US and North Korean officials met Sunday at a border truce village as preparations resumed for a high-stakes, high-drama summit that President Donald Trump said held "brilliant potential" for the North.

"I truly believe North Korea has brilliant potential and will be a great economic and financial Nation one day," Trump said on Twitter.&nbsp

"Kim Jong Un agrees with me on this. It will happen!," the president said, confirming that a US team "has arrived in North Korea to make arrangements for the summit" between himself and North Korean leader Kim.&nbsp

Meanwhile, already been playing the role of mediator between the US and North Korea, South Korean president Moon Jae-in could be present in high-drama summit between the US and North Korea in June media reports said.

According to a report by BBC, South Korean officials have said that South Korean president could attend the summit. However, his attendance would depend on the progress of pre-summit talks between the US and North Korean leaders.

Earlier, US and North Korean officials met Sunday at a border truce village as preparations resumed for a high-stakes, high-drama summit that President Donald Trump said held "brilliant potential" for the North.

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that several meetings were being carried out between the US and North Korea ahead of the historic summit and confirmed that a top North Korean official was en route to New York. "We have put a great team together for our talks with North Korea. Meetings are currently taking place concerning Summit, and more. Kim Young Chol, the Vice Chairman of North Korea, heading now to New York. Solid response to my letter, thank you!" Trump said in a Twitter post. Earlier, US and North Korean officials met Sunday at a border truce village as preparations resumed for a high-stakes, high-drama summit that President Donald Trump said held "brilliant potential" for the North. "I truly believe North Korea has brilliant potential and will be a great economic and financial Nation one day," Trump said on Twitter. "Kim Jong Un agrees with me on this. It will happen!," the president said, confirming that a US team "has arrived in North Korea to make arrangements for the summit" between himself and North Korean leader Kim. Meanwhile, already been playing the role of mediator between the US and North Korea, South Korean president Moon Jae-in could be present in high-drama summit between the US and North Korea in June media reports said. According to a report by BBC, South Korean officials have said that South Korean president could attend the summit. However, his attendance would depend on the progress of pre-summit talks between the US and North Korean leaders.

Trump says meetings taking place on US-North Korea summit

Events around the Korean peninsula have been moving at a dizzying pace over the last few days, with a summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un that was on, then off, then apparently on again.

Here's where we stand with what could be a historic meeting.

A few months ago Kim and Trump were hurling insults and threats of war with each other.

The rhetoric began to cool during the Winter Olympics in South Korea, and by mid-March, the two sides had agreed to a face-to-face.

After some back-and-forth,&nbsp;June 12&nbsp;in Singapore was fixed on, but as May ticked over both sides began casting doubt on the meeting.

The insults started up again, with North Korea calling US Vice President Mike Pence a "dummy", and both sides threatening to walk away.

Trump abruptly pulled the plug last week, only to apparently reverse course&nbsp;24 hours later&nbsp;in the wake of Pyongyang's emollient response.

Some say Trump's sudden willingness to walk rattled Pyongyang, which has since dialled down its rhetoric and expressed a willingness to talk "at any time".

"Trump's unexpected response totally took Kim by surprise and left the North scrambling to find a way to mend things," Cho Sung-ryul, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Strategy, told AFP.&nbsp;

Others say the crisis was primarily averted by Kim and South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in, who made the extraordinary decision to meet in the Panmunjom truce village between the two Koreas.

The State Department says a team of US officials also met with North Koreans in Panmunjom&nbsp;on Sunday.

The Washington Post reported that senior diplomat Sung Kim was leading the US delegation and that the two sides planned to continue talking&nbsp;Monday&nbsp;and&nbsp;Tuesday.

The White House said on the weekend that a separate team of officials was also on its way to Singapore to lay the ground for the meeting.

Few American officials have more experience of dealing with North Koreans than Sung Kim.

The Korean-born diplomat previously served as Washington's ambassador in Seoul and was a special envoy during ultimately fruitless Six-Party Talks in the mid-2000s.

He is currently Washington's envoy to the Philippines but has been called back to his old stomping ground -- Trump has yet to nominate an ambassador to Seoul.

Given the twists and turns, and the mercurial nature of the parties involved, few Korea watchers are prepared to say with any certainty. But most observers are confident the process is back on track -- for now.

In the last 48 hours, Trump has sounded upbeat, saying the&nbsp;June 12&nbsp;meeting will still go ahead, or that it could happen at a later date if more time is needed.

Usually, this kind of summits are planned months, sometimes years in advance.

Now officials have only a fortnight left to finalise thorny protocol details such as where in Singapore the talks will take place and how internationally sanctioned North Korean officials will travel there.

Importantly, they'll also have to decide what exactly the two men are going to talk about.

In a word, denuclearisation.

Both sides say they want it, but there is a yawning gulf between their definitions.

Washington says it wants to see the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation (CVID) of North Korea in return for sanctions and economic relief.

Trump wants to see CVID take place immediately -- although he has recently conceded a phased approach could be discussed.

Moon says Kim is also committed to the "complete" denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

But when asked if that meant the same as CVID, he told reporters that was something for Pyongyang and Washington to discuss.

Analysts believe North Korea will be unwilling to cede its nuclear deterrent unless it is given security guarantees that the US won't try to topple the regime.

That may mean they will look for confidence-building measures such as a reduction in US troops in South Korea or joint military drills.

Kim Sung-han, professor of international relations at Korea University, said Trump will have difficulty accepting any conditions from North Korea, partly because he had been so critical of the Iran nuclear deal.&nbsp;

"If he believes that it would be hard to include CVID or any specific terms to mandate the North to carry out nuclear disarmament quickly, he may cancel the summit again, even days before the event," he said.

After some back-and-forth, June 12 in Singapore was fixed on, but as May ticked over both sides began casting doubt on the meeting

Events around the Korean peninsula have been moving at a dizzying pace over the last few days, with a summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un that was on, then off, then apparently on again. Here's where we stand with what could be a historic meeting. A few months ago Kim and Trump were hurling insults and threats of war with each other. The rhetoric began to cool during the Winter Olympics in South Korea, and by mid-March, the two sides had agreed to a face-to-face. After some back-and-forth, June 12 in Singapore was fixed on, but as May ticked over both sides began casting doubt on the meeting. The insults started up again, with North Korea calling US Vice President Mike Pence a "dummy", and both sides threatening to walk away. Trump abruptly pulled the plug last week, only to apparently reverse course 24 hours later in the wake of Pyongyang's emollient response. Some say Trump's sudden willingness to walk rattled Pyongyang, which has since dialled down its rhetoric and expressed a willingness to talk "at any time". "Trump's unexpected response totally took Kim by surprise and left the North scrambling to find a way to mend things," Cho Sung-ryul, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Strategy, told AFP. Others say the crisis was primarily averted by Kim and South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in, who made the extraordinary decision to meet in the Panmunjom truce village between the two Koreas. The State Department says a team of US officials also met with North Koreans in Panmunjom on Sunday. The Washington Post reported that senior diplomat Sung Kim was leading the US delegation and that the two sides planned to continue talking Monday and Tuesday. The White House said on the weekend that a separate team of officials was also on its way to Singapore to lay the ground for the meeting. Few American officials have more experience of dealing with North Koreans than Sung Kim. The Korean-born diplomat previously served as Washington's ambassador in Seoul and was a special envoy during ultimately fruitless Six-Party Talks in the mid-2000s. He is currently Washington's envoy to the Philippines but has been called back to his old stomping ground -- Trump has yet to nominate an ambassador to Seoul. Given the twists and turns, and the mercurial nature of the parties involved, few Korea watchers are prepared to say with any certainty. But most observers are confident the process is back on track -- for now. In the last 48 hours, Trump has sounded upbeat, saying the June 12 meeting will still go ahead, or that it could happen at a later date if more time is needed. Usually, this kind of summits are planned months, sometimes years in advance. Now officials have only a fortnight left to finalise thorny protocol details such as where in Singapore the talks will take place and how internationally sanctioned North Korean officials will travel there. Importantly, they'll also have to decide what exactly the two men are going to talk about. In a word, denuclearisation. Both sides say they want it, but there is a yawning gulf between their definitions. Washington says it wants to see the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation (CVID) of North Korea in return for sanctions and economic relief. Trump wants to see CVID take place immediately -- although he has recently conceded a phased approach could be discussed. Moon says Kim is also committed to the "complete" denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. But when asked if that meant the same as CVID, he told reporters that was something for Pyongyang and Washington to discuss. Analysts believe North Korea will be unwilling to cede its nuclear deterrent unless it is given security guarantees that the US won't try to topple the regime. That may mean they will look for confidence-building measures such as a reduction in US troops in South Korea or joint military drills. Kim Sung-han, professor of international relations at Korea University, said Trump will have difficulty accepting any conditions from North Korea, partly because he had been so critical of the Iran nuclear deal. "If he believes that it would be hard to include CVID or any specific terms to mandate the North to carry out nuclear disarmament quickly, he may cancel the summit again, even days before the event," he said.

Diplomatic duels: What now for the Trump-Kim summit?

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-hopes-trump-summit-will-end-history-of-confrontation-south-korea-president-moon-140054">Kim Jong Un hopes Trump summit will 'end </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-hopes-trump-summit-will-end-history-of-confrontation-south-korea-president-moon-140054">history</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-hopes-trump-summit-will-end-history-of-confrontation-south-korea-president-moon-140054"> of confrontation': South Korea president</a>

Kim Jong Un believes a summit with US President Donald Trump will be a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Sunday following his surprise meeting with the North Korean leader.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-super-bale-sinks-liverpool-as-madrid-make-it-three-in-a-row-140046">Champions League: Super Bale sinks Liverpool as Madrid make it three in a row</a>

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale scored a jaw-dropping overhead kick and a long distance strike to give them a 3-1 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday (May 26), delivering a remarkable third consecutive title for the Spaniards.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-one-of-the-most-vulnerable-to-cyber-attacks--data-theft-third-behind-canada-us-140050">India one of the most vulnerable to cyber attacks & data theft third behind Canada, US</a>

Phishing and malware-based attacks are the most prolific online fraud tactics globally and India is one of the top three target countries for such attacks, says a report.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-still-sees-june-12-singapore-summit-with-kim-140048">Talks with North Korea on summit going 'very well': US President Donald Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said Saturday that things are moving "very nicely" towards a summit on June 12 in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-announces-general-elections-on-july-25-140056">Pakistan announces general elections on July 25</a>

Pakistan will hold general elections on July 25, a presidential spokesman said Saturday, offering the prospect of what would be only the second ever democratic transfer of power in the nuclear-armed country.

&nbsp

Kim Jong Un hopes Trump summit will 'end history of confrontation': South Korea president Kim Jong Un believes a summit with US President Donald Trump will be a landmark opportunity to end decades of confrontation, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in said Sunday following his surprise meeting with the North Korean leader. Champions League: Super Bale sinks Liverpool as Madrid make it three in a row Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale scored a jaw-dropping overhead kick and a long distance strike to give them a 3-1 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final on Saturday (May 26), delivering a remarkable third consecutive title for the Spaniards. India one of the most vulnerable to cyber attacks & data theft third behind Canada, US Phishing and malware-based attacks are the most prolific online fraud tactics globally and India is one of the top three target countries for such attacks, says a report. Talks with North Korea on summit going 'very well': US President Donald Trump US President Donald Trump said Saturday that things are moving "very nicely" towards a summit on June 12 in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Pakistan announces general elections on July 25 Pakistan will hold general elections on July 25, a presidential spokesman said Saturday, offering the prospect of what would be only the second ever democratic transfer of power in the nuclear-armed country.

News brief: Big stories of the day

North and South Korea's leaders have agreed to meet "frequently" following their surprise face-to-face over the weekend, Pyongyang's state media reported Sunday, adding Kim Jong Un's hopes were &nbsp"fixed" for a potential summit next month with the US.

"They shared the opinion that they would meet frequently in the future to make dialogue brisk and pool wisdom and efforts, expressing their stand to make joint efforts for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," KCNA said in the North's first confirmation of Saturday's talks between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.&nbsp

"Kim Jong Un thanked Moon Jae-in for much effort made by him for the DPRK-US summit scheduled for June 12, and expressed his fixed will on the historic DPRK-US summit talks," the report added, using the official abbreviation for North Korea.

North and Soth Korea's leaders have agreed to meet "frequently" following their surprise face-to-face over the weekend, Pyongyang's state media reported Sunday, adding Kim Jong Un's hopes were 'fixed' for a potential summit next month with the US

North and South Korea's leaders have agreed to meet "frequently" following their surprise face-to-face over the weekend, Pyongyang's state media reported Sunday, adding Kim Jong Un's hopes were "fixed" for a potential summit next month with the US. "They shared the opinion that they would meet frequently in the future to make dialogue brisk and pool wisdom and efforts, expressing their stand to make joint efforts for the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula," KCNA said in the North's first confirmation of Saturday's talks between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. "Kim Jong Un thanked Moon Jae-in for much effort made by him for the DPRK-US summit scheduled for June 12, and expressed his fixed will on the historic DPRK-US summit talks," the report added, using the official abbreviation for North Korea.

Korean leaders vow to 'meet frequently in the future': Report

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/exit-polls-predict-a-landslide-win-for-ireland-referendum-that-could-lift-strict-ban-on-abortion-139829">Exit polls predict </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/exit-polls-predict-a-landslide-win-for-ireland-referendum-that-could-lift-strict-ban-on-abortion-139829">landslide</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/exit-polls-predict-a-landslide-win-for-ireland-referendum-that-could-lift-strict-ban-on-abortion-139829"> win for Ireland referendum that could lift </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/exit-polls-predict-a-landslide-win-for-ireland-referendum-that-could-lift-strict-ban-on-abortion-139829">strict</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/exit-polls-predict-a-landslide-win-for-ireland-referendum-that-could-lift-strict-ban-on-abortion-139829"> ban on abortion</a>

The people of Ireland are set to liberalise some of the world`s most restrictive abortion laws by a landslide, two exit polls from a referendum showed on Friday, as voters demanded change in what two decades ago was one of Europe`s most socially conservative countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reaches-deal-to-lift-sanctions-on-chinas-zte-139830">White House reaches </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reaches-deal-to-lift-sanctions-on-chinas-zte-139830">deal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reaches-deal-to-lift-sanctions-on-chinas-zte-139830"> to lift sanctions on China's ZTE</a>

US President Donald Trump said Friday he had reached a deal to keep Chinese telecoms giant ZTE running, rolling back some penalties in exchange for security guarantees -- a move that infuriated Democrats and some in his own party.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/infiltration-bid-foiled-by-security-forces-in-tangdhar-sector-of-jk-4-terrorists-killed-139840">Infiltration bid foiled by security forces in Tangdhar sector of J&K, 4 terrorists killed&nbsp</a>

The security forces on Saturday foiled an infiltration bid by a group of terrorists from across the border and killed four terrorists in Tangdhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-in-productive-talks-about-reinstating-june-north-korea-summit-trump-139831">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-in-productive-talks-about-reinstating-june-north-korea-summit-trump-139831"> in 'productive talks' about reinstating June North Korea summit: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump late on Friday said the United States was having "productive talks" about reinstating a June 12 summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, just a day after he cancelled the meeting citing Pyongyang's "open hostility."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-palestinians-injured-by-israeli-gunfire-tear-gas-in-gaza-border-protests-139834">Dozens of Palestinians injured by Israeli gunfire, tear gas in Gaza border protests</a>

Dozens of Palestinians demonstrating at the Gaza border were injured by Israeli gunfire and tear gas on Friday, as the latest round of protests drew several thousand participants to the frontier.

&nbsp

Exit polls predict landslide win for Ireland referendum that could lift strict ban on abortion The people of Ireland are set to liberalise some of the world`s most restrictive abortion laws by a landslide, two exit polls from a referendum showed on Friday, as voters demanded change in what two decades ago was one of Europe`s most socially conservative countries. White House reaches deal to lift sanctions on China's ZTE US President Donald Trump said Friday he had reached a deal to keep Chinese telecoms giant ZTE running, rolling back some penalties in exchange for security guarantees -- a move that infuriated Democrats and some in his own party. Infiltration bid foiled by security forces in Tangdhar sector of J&K, 4 terrorists killed The security forces on Saturday foiled an infiltration bid by a group of terrorists from across the border and killed four terrorists in Tangdhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir. US in 'productive talks' about reinstating June North Korea summit: Trump US President Donald Trump late on Friday said the United States was having "productive talks" about reinstating a June 12 summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, just a day after he cancelled the meeting citing Pyongyang's "open hostility." Dozens of Palestinians injured by Israeli gunfire, tear gas in Gaza border protests Dozens of Palestinians demonstrating at the Gaza border were injured by Israeli gunfire and tear gas on Friday, as the latest round of protests drew several thousand participants to the frontier.

News brief: 5 big stories of the day

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-shiv-sena-bjp-to-fight-together-in-2019-elections-amit-shah-139934">Want Shiv Sena, BJP to fight together in 2019 elections: Amit Shah</a>

BJP President Amit Shah said on Saturday that members of the party wanted to fight along with the Shiv Sena in the 2019 elections.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-shiv-sena-bjp-to-fight-together-in-2019-elections-amit-shah-139934">We have worked tirelessly for development: PM Modi in Odisha</a>

Prime minister Narendra Modi spoke about his government completing four years in power on Saturday and reiterated the development for all motto.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/four-years-of-modi-rahul-gandhis-report-card-139949">Four years of Modi: Rahul Gandhi's report card </a>

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday rated the Narendra Modi-led BJP government on its completion of four years in power.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-met-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-saturday-seoul-139956">South</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-met-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-saturday-seoul-139956"> Korean president met North Korea's Kim Jong-un Saturday: Seoul</a>

South&nbsp;Korean President Moon Jae-in met North&nbsp;Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Saturday to discuss Kim's possible upcoming summit with US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, the South&nbsp;said in the second inter-Korean summit in as many months.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-syria-of-firm-measures-for-ceasefire-violations-139922">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-syria-of-firm-measures-for-ceasefire-violations-139922"> warns Syria of ‘firm’ measures for ceasefire violations</a>

The United States on Saturday warned Syria that it will take "firm" action ahainst them if the regime of Bashar al-Assad violates a ceasefire deal, after Syrian aircraft dropped leaflets on a southern province ahead of an expected offensive.

&nbsp;

<h1>&nbsp;</h1>

&nbsp;

Want Shiv Sena, BJP to fight together in 2019 elections: Amit Shah BJP President Amit Shah said on Saturday that members of the party wanted to fight along with the Shiv Sena in the 2019 elections. We have worked tirelessly for development: PM Modi in Odisha Prime minister Narendra Modi spoke about his government completing four years in power on Saturday and reiterated the development for all motto. Four years of Modi: Rahul Gandhi's report card Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday rated the Narendra Modi-led BJP government on its completion of four years in power. South Korean president met North Korea's Kim Jong-un Saturday: Seoul South Korean President Moon Jae-in met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Saturday to discuss Kim's possible upcoming summit with US President Donald Trump, the South said in the second inter-Korean summit in as many months. US warns Syria of ‘firm’ measures for ceasefire violations The United States on Saturday warned Syria that it will take "firm" action ahainst them if the regime of Bashar al-Assad violates a ceasefire deal, after Syrian aircraft dropped leaflets on a southern province ahead of an expected offensive.

South Korea on Saturday welcomed the renewed prospect of a summit between the United States and North Korea after President Trump cancelled talks with Kim Jong Un only to suggest they might still take place.

"We find it fortunate that the embers of the North Korea-US talks are reignited. We are watching developments carefully," Presidential Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-Gyeom said.

Trump's cancellation of the summit blindsided treaty ally South Korea, which had brokered the remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang.

President Moon Jae-in had to scramble his national security team when news of Trump's decision first reached Seoul late Thursday evening as he called Washington's U-turn "shocking and very regrettable".

On Friday, Trump turned on his heels again, saying the meeting with Kim could go ahead after all -- and would "likely" happen on the originally scheduled date of June 12 in Singapore.

The summit would be an unprecedented meeting between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader, which Washington hopes will result in full denuclearisation of the reclusive state.

South Korea's Moon has pushed diplomacy as he desperately sought to calm spiralling tensions on the Korean Peninsula and an escalating war of words between Kim and Trump last year sparked by Pyongyang's detonation of its largest nuclear bomb to date and a series of intercontinental ballistic missile tests.&nbsp;

Trump's cancellation of the summit blindsided treaty ally South Korea, which had brokered the remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang

South Korea on Saturday welcomed the renewed prospect of a summit between the United States and North Korea after President Trump cancelled talks with Kim Jong Un only to suggest they might still take place. "We find it fortunate that the embers of the North Korea-US talks are reignited. We are watching developments carefully," Presidential Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-Gyeom said. Trump's cancellation of the summit blindsided treaty ally South Korea, which had brokered the remarkable detente between Washington and Pyongyang. President Moon Jae-in had to scramble his national security team when news of Trump's decision first reached Seoul late Thursday evening as he called Washington's U-turn "shocking and very regrettable". On Friday, Trump turned on his heels again, saying the meeting with Kim could go ahead after all -- and would "likely" happen on the originally scheduled date of June 12 in Singapore. The summit would be an unprecedented meeting between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader, which Washington hopes will result in full denuclearisation of the reclusive state. South Korea's Moon has pushed diplomacy as he desperately sought to calm spiralling tensions on the Korean Peninsula and an escalating war of words between Kim and Trump last year sparked by Pyongyang's detonation of its largest nuclear bomb to date and a series of intercontinental ballistic missile tests.

South Korea welcomes prospect of 'reignited' US-North Korea talks

US&nbspstocks dropped on Thursday, but were well off the session lows hit after President Donald Trump cancelled a summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un and threatened to impose tariffs on auto imports.

Trump cancelled the June 12 meeting citing Pyongyang's "open hostility,", even after North Korea followed through on a pledge to blow up tunnels at its nuclear test site.

The market, already lower due to a slide in oil prices and worries over Trump ordering a national security investigation into car and truck imports, dropped sharply after the meeting was called off.

The autos probe, ordered on Wednesday, could lead to new tariffs and China called the move an "abuse" of the national security clauses and said it would defend its interests.

Market participants said the drop after the summit was cancelled was a knee-jerk reaction.&nbsp

"Really not sure why people are looking at it so negatively, except when world politics is unstable, investors` knee-jerk reaction is to sell first and ask questions later," said Rick Meckler, partner, Cherry Lane Investments, a

family investment office in New Vernon, New Jersey.

"The bigger news has really been the proposed tariffs on foreign cars, the administration provides so much potential change everyday, that it's difficult for investors to see consistency to the economic future."

At 13:24 pm&nbspET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 64.85 points, or 0.26 per cent, at 24,821.96, the S&P 500 was down 4.23 points, or 0.15 per cent, at 2,729.06 and the Nasdaq Composite was up 1.98 points, or 0.03 per cent, at 7,427.94.

Earlier in the session the blue chip Dow fell as much as 1.1 per cent to touch a two-week low.

Defense stocks jumped after Trump called off the North Korea meeting and warned that the US&nbspmilitary was ready in the event of any reckless acts by North Korea.

Seven of the 11 major S&P sectors were in the red, with financials dropping 0.67 per cent.

The big banks were trading lower as the minutes from the Federal Reserve`s latest meeting tempered expectations of faster interest rate hikes.

The energy sector fell 1.25 per cent alongside a slide in oil prices.

US&nbspcrude future declined about 1 per cent, with expectations building that OPEC could wind down an output deal due to concerns about supplies from Venezuela and Iran.&nbsp

Ford and General Motors gained on the possibility of tariffs on European and Asian car imports. US-listed shares of Fiat fell 1.5 per cent.

Best Buy Co tumbled 7.5 per cent after the consumer electronics retailer reported a slowdown in quarterly online sales and did not update its full-year outlook.

Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.01-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and for a 1.02-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.

The S&P index recorded 19 new 52-week highs and one new low, while the Nasdaq recorded 89 new highs and 37 new lows.

Trump cancelled the June 12 meeting citing Pyongyang's "open hostility,", even after North Korea followed through on a pledge to blow up tunnels at its nuclear test site

US&nbspstocks dropped on Thursday, but were well off the session lows hit after President Donald Trump cancelled a summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un and threatened to impose tariffs on auto imports. Trump cancelled the June 12 meeting citing Pyongyang's "open hostility,", even after North Korea followed through on a pledge to blow up tunnels at its nuclear test site. The market, already lower due to a slide in oil prices and worries over Trump ordering a national security investigation into car and truck imports, dropped sharply after the meeting was called off. The autos probe, ordered on Wednesday, could lead to new tariffs and China called the move an "abuse" of the national security clauses and said it would defend its interests. Market participants said the drop after the summit was cancelled was a knee-jerk reaction. "Really not sure why people are looking at it so negatively, except when world politics is unstable, investors` knee-jerk reaction is to sell first and ask questions later," said Rick Meckler, partner, Cherry Lane Investments, a family investment office in New Vernon, New Jersey. "The bigger news has really been the proposed tariffs on foreign cars, the administration provides so much potential change everyday, that it's difficult for investors to see consistency to the economic future." At 13:24 pm&nbspET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average was down 64.85 points, or 0.26 per cent, at 24,821.96, the S&P 500 was down 4.23 points, or 0.15 per cent, at 2,729.06 and the Nasdaq Composite was up 1.98 points, or 0.03 per cent, at 7,427.94. Earlier in the session the blue chip Dow fell as much as 1.1 per cent to touch a two-week low. Defense stocks jumped after Trump called off the North Korea meeting and warned that the US&nbspmilitary was ready in the event of any reckless acts by North Korea. Seven of the 11 major S&P sectors were in the red, with financials dropping 0.67 per cent. The big banks were trading lower as the minutes from the Federal Reserve`s latest meeting tempered expectations of faster interest rate hikes. The energy sector fell 1.25 per cent alongside a slide in oil prices. US&nbspcrude future declined about 1 per cent, with expectations building that OPEC could wind down an output deal due to concerns about supplies from Venezuela and Iran. Ford and General Motors gained on the possibility of tariffs on European and Asian car imports. US-listed shares of Fiat fell 1.5 per cent. Best Buy Co tumbled 7.5 per cent after the consumer electronics retailer reported a slowdown in quarterly online sales and did not update its full-year outlook. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 1.01-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and for a 1.02-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq. The S&P index recorded 19 new 52-week highs and one new low, while the Nasdaq recorded 89 new highs and 37 new lows.

Wall Street dips after Trump cancels North Korea summit, targets car imports

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would know next week whether his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would take place on June 12 in Singapore as scheduled, casting further doubt on plans for the unprecedented meeting.

White House aides are preparing to travel to Singapore this weekend for a crucial meeting with North Korean officials to discuss the agenda and logistics for the summit, US&nbspofficials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Visiting Washington, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that if the United States seeks peace with North Korea and wants to make history, "now is the time" for the two countries' leaders to hold their first-ever summit.

The US&nbspdelegation, which includes White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph Hagin and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel, was being dispatched after Trump said on Tuesday there was a "substantial chance" the summit would be called off amid concerns Pyongyang is not prepared to give up its nuclear arsenal.

Asked on Wednesday whether the summit would go ahead, Trump told reporters: "It could very well happen. Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea."

But he added: "We'll see."

Also read:&nbsp<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-entirely-up-to-us-we-will-not-beg-north-korea-139284">We will not 'beg'&nbspfor </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-entirely-up-to-us-we-will-not-beg-north-korea-139284">summit</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-entirely-up-to-us-we-will-not-beg-north-korea-139284">, says North Korea</a>

Trump did not say, however, whether the preparatory talks between US&nbspand North Korean officials in coming days were expected to clarify the situation.

Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States is prepared to walk away from nuclear negotiations with North Korea if the summit heads in the wrong direction.

Pompeo said he was "very hopeful" the summit would take place but said the decision was ultimately up to Kim, who the secretary of state has met twice in less than two months.

Trump raised doubts about the summit in talks on Tuesday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who came to Washington to urge Trump not to let a rare opportunity with reclusive North Korea slip away.

It was unclear whether Trump was truly backing away from the summit or whether he was strategically coaxing North Korea to the table after decades of tension on the Korean peninsula and antagonism with Washington over its nuclear weapons program.

The White House was caught off guard when, in a dramatic change of tone, North Korea last week condemned the latest U.S.-South Korean air combat drills, suspended North-South talks and threatened to scrap the summit if Pyongyang was pushed toward "unilateral nuclear abandonment."

North Korea's vice foreign minister said the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington was "entirely" up to the United States.

"We will neither beg the U.S. for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us," said Choe Son Hui, according to a report by North Korea's central news agency on Thursday.

Choe said she could suggest to leader Kim that North Korea reconsider the summit if the United States offended the North's good will.

If the summit is called off or fails, it would be a major blow to what Trump supporters hope will be the biggest diplomatic achievement of his presidency.

'BAD DEAL IS NOT AN OPTION'

Pompeo insisted the Trump administration was "clear-eyed" about North Korea, which has a history of making promises in negotiations and then backtracking.

"A bad deal is not an option," Pompeo said in his written opening statement for a House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee hearing. "If the right deal is not on the table, we will respectfully walk away."

Pompeo, who was director of the CIA before becoming secretary of state in April after Trump fired Rex Tillerson, is the highest-ranking Trump administration to meet Kim. On his most recent trip he brought back three Americans who had been held by North Korea.

Pompeo said a US-led sanctions pressure campaign would not be eased until North Korea gives up nuclear weapons. “We have made zero concessions to Chairman Kim and have no intention to do so,” he said.

"Our posture will not change until we see credible steps taken toward the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," he said.

Meeting Wang later in the day, Pompeo said the United States expects all countries, including China - North Korea's main trading partner and ally - to "meet their obligations" to enforce sanctions on Pyongyang.

Trump suggested on Tuesday that Kim's recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping had influenced Kim to harden his stance ahead of the summit. China's foreign ministry said, however, that Beijing had played a positive role on the Korean peninsula.

Also on Wednesday, a United Nations Security Council committee approved travel by North Korean officials to Singapore for the summit, diplomats said. Singapore had asked the U.N. sanctions panel for a blanket waiver for the North Koreans' participation.

'It could very well happen. Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea,' Trump said. But he added: 'We'll see'

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would know next week whether his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would take place on June 12 in Singapore as scheduled, casting further doubt on plans for the unprecedented meeting. White House aides are preparing to travel to Singapore this weekend for a crucial meeting with North Korean officials to discuss the agenda and logistics for the summit, US&nbspofficials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Visiting Washington, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that if the United States seeks peace with North Korea and wants to make history, "now is the time" for the two countries' leaders to hold their first-ever summit. The US&nbspdelegation, which includes White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph Hagin and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel, was being dispatched after Trump said on Tuesday there was a "substantial chance" the summit would be called off amid concerns Pyongyang is not prepared to give up its nuclear arsenal. Asked on Wednesday whether the summit would go ahead, Trump told reporters: "It could very well happen. Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea." But he added: "We'll see." Also read: We will not 'beg'&nbspfor summit, says North Korea Trump did not say, however, whether the preparatory talks between US&nbspand North Korean officials in coming days were expected to clarify the situation. Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States is prepared to walk away from nuclear negotiations with North Korea if the summit heads in the wrong direction. Pompeo said he was "very hopeful" the summit would take place but said the decision was ultimately up to Kim, who the secretary of state has met twice in less than two months. Trump raised doubts about the summit in talks on Tuesday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who came to Washington to urge Trump not to let a rare opportunity with reclusive North Korea slip away. It was unclear whether Trump was truly backing away from the summit or whether he was strategically coaxing North Korea to the table after decades of tension on the Korean peninsula and antagonism with Washington over its nuclear weapons program. The White House was caught off guard when, in a dramatic change of tone, North Korea last week condemned the latest U.S.-South Korean air combat drills, suspended North-South talks and threatened to scrap the summit if Pyongyang was pushed toward "unilateral nuclear abandonment." North Korea's vice foreign minister said the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington was "entirely" up to the United States. "We will neither beg the U.S. for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us," said Choe Son Hui, according to a report by North Korea's central news agency on Thursday. Choe said she could suggest to leader Kim that North Korea reconsider the summit if the United States offended the North's good will. If the summit is called off or fails, it would be a major blow to what Trump supporters hope will be the biggest diplomatic achievement of his presidency. 'BAD DEAL IS NOT AN OPTION' Pompeo insisted the Trump administration was "clear-eyed" about North Korea, which has a history of making promises in negotiations and then backtracking. "A bad deal is not an option," Pompeo said in his written opening statement for a House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee hearing. "If the right deal is not on the table, we will respectfully walk away." Pompeo, who was director of the CIA before becoming secretary of state in April after Trump fired Rex Tillerson, is the highest-ranking Trump administration to meet Kim. On his most recent trip he brought back three Americans who had been held by North Korea. Pompeo said a US-led sanctions pressure campaign would not be eased until North Korea gives up nuclear weapons. “We have made zero concessions to Chairman Kim and have no intention to do so,” he said. "Our posture will not change until we see credible steps taken toward the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," he said. Meeting Wang later in the day, Pompeo said the United States expects all countries, including China - North Korea's main trading partner and ally - to "meet their obligations" to enforce sanctions on Pyongyang. Trump suggested on Tuesday that Kim's recent meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping had influenced Kim to harden his stance ahead of the summit. China's foreign ministry said, however, that Beijing had played a positive role on the Korean peninsula. Also on Wednesday, a United Nations Security Council committee approved travel by North Korean officials to Singapore for the summit, diplomats said. Singapore had asked the U.N. sanctions panel for a blanket waiver for the North Koreans' participation.

Trump says will know next week if North Korea summit to go ahead

After cancelling his summit <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-cancels-summit-with-north-korean-leader-kim-139490">with Kim Jong-un, President Trump</a> warned the North Korean leader from attempting any "foolish or reckless act".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/read-letter-from-president-trump-to-kim-jong-un-cancelling-singapore-summit-139506">Also Read:&nbsp;Letter from Trump to Kim cancelling Singapore summit</a>

Kim Jong-un and President Trump were set to meet in Singapore on June 12th, however, President Trump decided against holding the meeting on Wednesday by sending a signed letter to the North Korean leader.

"Hope Kim will do what's right for its people," he said while adding that it was a tremendous setback for peace.

Trump while addressing the media said he intended to keep "maximum pressure" on North Korea through sanctions.

"Hopefully positive things will be taking place with respect to the future of North Korea," he said. "But if they don't, we are more ready than we have ever been before."

Trump said the US, South Korea and Japan were ready to respond to&nbsp;"should foolish or reckless acts be taken by North Korea."

"In the meantime, our very strong sanctions, by far the strongest sanctions ever imposed, and maximum pressure campaign will continue," Trump added.

"I am ready to tackle North Korea,"&nbsp;the US president declared.

Meanwhile, South Korean President Moon Jae-in convened emergency talks with his top security aides after Trump cancelled his summit, Yonhap news agency reported.

Officials in Seoul "are trying to figure out what President Trump's intention is and the exact meaning of it", Yonhap reported.

"We have a wonderful dialogue (Kim Jong-un). We have a wonderful - there's been very good working relationship. It started with the hostages coming back home. The hostages came home. We didn't have to pay. We wouldn't have paid. But they came back home," the US president told reporters.

"But I really believe we have a great opportunity. We'll see whether or not that opportunity is seized by North Korea. If it is, great for them and great for the world. If it isn't, it'll be just fine," Trump declared.

Earlier, in a letter to Kim, the US president wrote,"sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting."

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dlfYBUDCPjs" width="560"></iframe>

Kim Jong-un and President Trump were set to meet in Singapore on June 12th

After cancelling his summit with Kim Jong-un, President Trump warned the North Korean leader from attempting any "foolish or reckless act". Also Read: Letter from Trump to Kim cancelling Singapore summit Kim Jong-un and President Trump were set to meet in Singapore on June 12th, however, President Trump decided against holding the meeting on Wednesday by sending a signed letter to the North Korean leader. "Hope Kim will do what's right for its people," he said while adding that it was a tremendous setback for peace. Trump while addressing the media said he intended to keep "maximum pressure" on North Korea through sanctions. "Hopefully positive things will be taking place with respect to the future of North Korea," he said. "But if they don't, we are more ready than we have ever been before." Trump said the US, South Korea and Japan were ready to respond to "should foolish or reckless acts be taken by North Korea." "In the meantime, our very strong sanctions, by far the strongest sanctions ever imposed, and maximum pressure campaign will continue," Trump added. "I am ready to tackle North Korea," the US president declared. Meanwhile, South Korean President Moon Jae-in convened emergency talks with his top security aides after Trump cancelled his summit, Yonhap news agency reported. Officials in Seoul "are trying to figure out what President Trump's intention is and the exact meaning of it", Yonhap reported. "We have a wonderful dialogue (Kim Jong-un). We have a wonderful - there's been very good working relationship. It started with the hostages coming back home. The hostages came home. We didn't have to pay. We wouldn't have paid. But they came back home," the US president told reporters. "But I really believe we have a great opportunity. We'll see whether or not that opportunity is seized by North Korea. If it is, great for them and great for the world. If it isn't, it'll be just fine," Trump declared. Earlier, in a letter to Kim, the US president wrote,"sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting."

After cancelling talks with Kim, Trump warns North Korea against committing 'foolish or reckless acts'

President Donald Trump on Thursday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-cancels-summit-with-north-korean-leader-kim-139490">cancelled the June 12 summit talks with North Korean President</a> Kim Jong Un.

In a letter to Kim, Trump said the meeting requested by North Korea was "totally irrelevant".&nbsp;

The development comes even as North Korea dismantled its nuclear site at Punggye-ri.

Here is the full text of the letter by President Trump.

Dear Mr Chairman:

We greatly appreciate your time, patience and effort with respect to our recent negotiations and discussions relative to a summit long sought by both parties, which was scheduled to take place on June 12 in Singapore. We were informed that the meeting was requested by North Korea, but that to us is totally irrelevant. I was very much looking forward to being there with you. Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting. Therefore, please let this letter serve to represent that the Singapore summit, for the good of both parties, but to the detriment of the world, will not take place. You talk about your nuclear capabilities, but ours are so massive and powerful that I pray to God they will never have to be used.

I felt a wonderful dialogue was building up between you and me, and ultimately, it is only that dialogue that matters. Some day, I look very much forward to meeting you. In the meantime, I want to thank you for the release of the hostages who are now home with their families. That was a beautiful gesture and was very much appreciated.

If you change your mind having to do with this most important summit, please do not hesitate to call me or write. The world, and North Korea in particular, has lost a great opportunity for lasting peace and great prosperity and wealth. This missed opportunity is a truly sad moment in history.

Sincerely yours,

Donald J. Trump

President of the United States of America

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Sadly, I was forced to cancel the Summit Meeting in Singapore with Kim Jung Un. <a href="https://t.co/qEoi9ymUEz">pic.twitter.com/qEoi9ymUEz</a>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/999667181083295744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In a letter to Kim, Trump said the meeting requested by North Korea was 'totally irrelevant'

President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled the June 12 summit talks with North Korean President Kim Jong Un. In a letter to Kim, Trump said the meeting requested by North Korea was "totally irrelevant". The development comes even as North Korea dismantled its nuclear site at Punggye-ri. Here is the full text of the letter by President Trump. Dear Mr Chairman: We greatly appreciate your time, patience and effort with respect to our recent negotiations and discussions relative to a summit long sought by both parties, which was scheduled to take place on June 12 in Singapore. We were informed that the meeting was requested by North Korea, but that to us is totally irrelevant. I was very much looking forward to being there with you. Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting. Therefore, please let this letter serve to represent that the Singapore summit, for the good of both parties, but to the detriment of the world, will not take place. You talk about your nuclear capabilities, but ours are so massive and powerful that I pray to God they will never have to be used. I felt a wonderful dialogue was building up between you and me, and ultimately, it is only that dialogue that matters. Some day, I look very much forward to meeting you. In the meantime, I want to thank you for the release of the hostages who are now home with their families. That was a beautiful gesture and was very much appreciated. If you change your mind having to do with this most important summit, please do not hesitate to call me or write. The world, and North Korea in particular, has lost a great opportunity for lasting peace and great prosperity and wealth. This missed opportunity is a truly sad moment in history. Sincerely yours, Donald J. Trump President of the United States of America Sadly, I was forced to cancel the Summit Meeting in Singapore with Kim Jung Un. pic.twitter.com/qEoi9ymUEz — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 24, 2018 ×

Read letter from President Trump to Kim Jong Un cancelling Singapore summit

Ahead of Trump and Kim's summit talks, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-dismantling-nuclear-site-report-139434">North Korea state-run news agency</a> KCNA said today the country&nbsp;had completely dismantled its Punggye-ri nuclear test ground.

KCNA added that the dismantling of the nuclear test ground had completely closed the two tunnel entrances which were ready for use in "powerful underground nuclear tests".

"The nuclear weapons Institute of the DPRK(North Korea) held a ceremony for completely dismantling the northern nuclear test ground on May 24... to ensure transparency of the discontinuance of nuclear test," KCNA news agency reported.

North Korea's nuclear weapons institute said no leakage of radiation had been detected.

"Dismantling the nuclear test ground was done in such a way as to make all the tunnels of the test ground collapse by explosion and completely close the tunnel entrances, and at the same time, explode some guard facilities and observation posts on the site,"&nbsp;the institute declared.

North Korea had invited the foreign media to witness the destruction of the Punggye-ri nuclear test ground. North Korea had tested at least six nuclear weapons in the site.

South Korea Yonhap news agency said multiple explosions were heard throughout the day, beginning at 11am (0300 GMT) until 4.17pm. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
US President Trump had insisted on "denuclearisation" of North Korea as a precondition for talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D6sbaPNmfvM" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

South Korea Yonhap news agency said multiple explosions were heard throughout the day, beginning at 11am (0300 GMT) until 4.17pm.

Ahead of Trump and Kim's summit talks, North Korea state-run news agency KCNA said today the country had completely dismantled its Punggye-ri nuclear test ground. KCNA added that the dismantling of the nuclear test ground had completely closed the two tunnel entrances which were ready for use in "powerful underground nuclear tests". "The nuclear weapons Institute of the DPRK(North Korea) held a ceremony for completely dismantling the northern nuclear test ground on May 24... to ensure transparency of the discontinuance of nuclear test," KCNA news agency reported. North Korea's nuclear weapons institute said no leakage of radiation had been detected. "Dismantling the nuclear test ground was done in such a way as to make all the tunnels of the test ground collapse by explosion and completely close the tunnel entrances, and at the same time, explode some guard facilities and observation posts on the site," the institute declared. North Korea had invited the foreign media to witness the destruction of the Punggye-ri nuclear test ground. North Korea had tested at least six nuclear weapons in the site. South Korea Yonhap news agency said multiple explosions were heard throughout the day, beginning at 11am (0300 GMT) until 4.17pm. US President Trump had insisted on "denuclearisation" of North Korea as a precondition for talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Punggye-ri nuclear test site completely dismantled, says state-run North Korean media

North Korea's vice foreign minister said the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington is "entirely" up to the United States and condemned a media interview by US Vice President Mike Pence in which he compared the North to Libya.

"We will neither beg the US for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us," said Choe Son Hui, according to a report by North Korea's central news agency on Thursday.

Choe said she could suggest to leader Kim Jong-un that North Korea reconsider the summit, set for June 12 in Singapore, if the United States offends the North's good will.&nbsp

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would know next week whether his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would take place on June 12 in Singapore as scheduled, casting further doubt on plans for the unprecedented meeting.

White House aides are preparing to travel to Singapore this weekend for a crucial meeting with North Korean officials to discuss the agenda and logistics for the summit, US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Visiting Washington, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that if the United States seeks peace with North Korea and wants to make history, "now is the time" for the two countries' leaders to hold their first-ever summit.

The US delegation, which includes White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph Hagin and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel, was being dispatched after Trump said on Tuesday there was a "substantial chance" the summit would be called off amid concerns Pyongyang is not prepared to give up its nuclear arsenal.

Asked on Wednesday whether the summit would go ahead, Trump told reporters: "It could very well happen. Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea."

But he added: "We'll see."

Trump did not say, however, whether the preparatory talks between US and North Korean officials in coming days were expected to clarify the situation.

Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States is prepared to walk away from nuclear negotiations with North Korea if the summit heads in the wrong direction.

Pompeo said he was "very hopeful" the summit would take place but said the decision was ultimately up to Kim, who the secretary of state has met twice in less than two months.

Trump raised doubts about the summit in talks on Tuesday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who came to Washington to urge Trump not to let a rare opportunity with reclusive North Korea slip away.

It was unclear whether Trump was truly backing away from the summit or whether he was strategically coaxing North Korea to the table after decades of tension on the Korean peninsula and antagonism with Washington over its nuclear weapons program.

The White House was caught off guard when, in a dramatic change of tone, North Korea last week condemned the latest US-South Korean air combat drills, suspended North-South talks and threatened to scrap the summit if Pyongyang was pushed toward "unilateral nuclear abandonment."

'We will neither beg the US for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us,' North Korea's Vice Foreign Minister said

North Korea's vice foreign minister said the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington is "entirely" up to the United States and condemned a media interview by US Vice President Mike Pence in which he compared the North to Libya. "We will neither beg the US for dialogue nor take the trouble to persuade them if they do not want to sit together with us," said Choe Son Hui, according to a report by North Korea's central news agency on Thursday. Choe said she could suggest to leader Kim Jong-un that North Korea reconsider the summit, set for June 12 in Singapore, if the United States offends the North's good will. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would know next week whether his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un would take place on June 12 in Singapore as scheduled, casting further doubt on plans for the unprecedented meeting. White House aides are preparing to travel to Singapore this weekend for a crucial meeting with North Korean officials to discuss the agenda and logistics for the summit, US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Visiting Washington, Chinese State Councillor Wang Yi told Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that if the United States seeks peace with North Korea and wants to make history, "now is the time" for the two countries' leaders to hold their first-ever summit. The US delegation, which includes White House Deputy Chief of Staff Joseph Hagin and deputy national security adviser Mira Ricardel, was being dispatched after Trump said on Tuesday there was a "substantial chance" the summit would be called off amid concerns Pyongyang is not prepared to give up its nuclear arsenal. Asked on Wednesday whether the summit would go ahead, Trump told reporters: "It could very well happen. Whatever it is, we'll know next week about Singapore. And if we go, I think it will be a great thing for North Korea." But he added: "We'll see." Trump did not say, however, whether the preparatory talks between US and North Korean officials in coming days were expected to clarify the situation. Pompeo said on Wednesday the United States is prepared to walk away from nuclear negotiations with North Korea if the summit heads in the wrong direction. Pompeo said he was "very hopeful" the summit would take place but said the decision was ultimately up to Kim, who the secretary of state has met twice in less than two months. Trump raised doubts about the summit in talks on Tuesday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who came to Washington to urge Trump not to let a rare opportunity with reclusive North Korea slip away. It was unclear whether Trump was truly backing away from the summit or whether he was strategically coaxing North Korea to the table after decades of tension on the Korean peninsula and antagonism with Washington over its nuclear weapons program. The White House was caught off guard when, in a dramatic change of tone, North Korea last week condemned the latest US-South Korean air combat drills, suspended North-South talks and threatened to scrap the summit if Pyongyang was pushed toward "unilateral nuclear abandonment."

Kim-Trump summit 'entirely' up to US, we will not beg: North Korea

Ahead of Kim and Trump's summit, North Korea today began the process of dismantling its nuclear sites, the foreign media invited to witness it said.

The destruction of the nuclear sites is taking place in Punggye-ri where North Korea has tested at least six nuclear weapons.

North Korea had declared its intention to dismantle its nuclear arsenal during Kim's meeting with South Korean president Moon.

President Trump had insisted on "denuclearisation" of North Korea as a precondition for talks with North Korean leader Kim.

South Korea Yonhap news agency said multiple explosions were heard throughout the day, beginning at 11am (0300 GMT) until 4.17pm.&nbsp;

The destruction of the nuclear sites is taking place in Punggye-ri where North Korea has tested at least six nuclear weapons.

Ahead of Kim and Trump's summit, North Korea today began the process of dismantling its nuclear sites, the foreign media invited to witness it said. The destruction of the nuclear sites is taking place in Punggye-ri where North Korea has tested at least six nuclear weapons. North Korea had declared its intention to dismantle its nuclear arsenal during Kim's meeting with South Korean president Moon. President Trump had insisted on "denuclearisation" of North Korea as a precondition for talks with North Korean leader Kim. South Korea Yonhap news agency said multiple explosions were heard throughout the day, beginning at 11am (0300 GMT) until 4.17pm.

North Korea dismantling nuclear site: Report

President Donald Trump said today that he was "little surprised" at North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's "different attitude" after his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-and-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-met-in-china-reports-135511">second meeting</a> with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Xi and Kim met in the northeastern city of Dalian in an unannounced visit by the North Korean leader on May 8.

Trump said the meeting between the two leaders was not a great meeting as there has been a change in North Korea's attitude after that.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-kim-summit-could-be-delayed-138979">Trump says Kim summit could be delayed</a>

"I think that President Xi is a worl-class poker player. I probably maybe doing the same thing that he would do. But I will say this, there was a somewhat different attitude after that meeting, and I'm a little surprised," Trump told reporters at the White House.

"Now maybe nothing happened, I'm not blame anybody. But I'm just saying maybe nothing happened and maybe it did. But there was a different attitude by the North Korean folks after that meeting. So I don't think it was a great meeting," Trump said.

Nobody knew about the meeting and all of a sudden it was reported that he was in China a second time, he said.

"The first time everybody knew about, the second time was like a surprise. And I think things changed after that meeting. So I can't say that I'm happy about it," Trump said in presence of South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

He also asked Moon for his views on the Xi-Kim meeting.

"Now President Moon may have a different opinion, I'd like to have your opinion on that. What you thought of the second meeting with President Xi, what is your feeling? You may have an opinion," Trump asked.

"I don't want to get him in trouble, he lives next to China. You know, he's not too far away," he said. 
 
"The second meeting I think there was a little change in attitude from Kim Jong-un", he said.

"Hope that's not true, because I have a great relationship with President Xi. He's a friend of mine, he likes me, I like him. I mean that was two of the great days of my life being in China. I don't think anybody's ever been treated better in China in their history," he said.

"It was an incredible thing to see. We built a very good relationship, we speak a lot. But there was a difference when Kim Jong-un left China the second time. And I think they were dedicating an aircraft carrier that the United States paid for," Trump said.&nbsp;

'I think that President Xi is a world-class poker player. I probably maybe doing the same thing that he would do. But I will say this, there was a somewhat different attitude after that meeting, and I'm a little surprised,' Trump said

President Donald Trump said today that he was "little surprised" at North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's "different attitude" after his second meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Xi and Kim met in the northeastern city of Dalian in an unannounced visit by the North Korean leader on May 8. Trump said the meeting between the two leaders was not a great meeting as there has been a change in North Korea's attitude after that. Also read: Trump says Kim summit could be delayed "I think that President Xi is a worl-class poker player. I probably maybe doing the same thing that he would do. But I will say this, there was a somewhat different attitude after that meeting, and I'm a little surprised," Trump told reporters at the White House. "Now maybe nothing happened, I'm not blame anybody. But I'm just saying maybe nothing happened and maybe it did. But there was a different attitude by the North Korean folks after that meeting. So I don't think it was a great meeting," Trump said. Nobody knew about the meeting and all of a sudden it was reported that he was in China a second time, he said. "The first time everybody knew about, the second time was like a surprise. And I think things changed after that meeting. So I can't say that I'm happy about it," Trump said in presence of South Korean President Moon Jae-in. He also asked Moon for his views on the Xi-Kim meeting. "Now President Moon may have a different opinion, I'd like to have your opinion on that. What you thought of the second meeting with President Xi, what is your feeling? You may have an opinion," Trump asked. "I don't want to get him in trouble, he lives next to China. You know, he's not too far away," he said. "The second meeting I think there was a little change in attitude from Kim Jong-un", he said. "Hope that's not true, because I have a great relationship with President Xi. He's a friend of mine, he likes me, I like him. I mean that was two of the great days of my life being in China. I don't think anybody's ever been treated better in China in their history," he said. "It was an incredible thing to see. We built a very good relationship, we speak a lot. But there was a difference when Kim Jong-un left China the second time. And I think they were dedicating an aircraft carrier that the United States paid for," Trump said.

Trump says Kim Jong Un's attitude changed after meeting China's Xi

Foreign journalists arrived in Punggye-ri, North Korea today with Kim's regime set to start the demolition of its nuclear site.

The dismantling of nuclear weapons is being seen as a "gesture of goodwill" by Kim ahead of his summit talks with Trump next month which the US president now says could be delayed.

The demolition of the site at &nbspPunggye-ri is set to start in either on Thursday or Friday. Kim's regime had threatened to pull out of talks with Trump last week after it said US should not pressure it to denuclearise and also it should stop joint military drills with South Korea.

South Korean leader Moon Jae-in is playing the role of interlocutor between Trump and Kim but the US president on Tuesday seemed to suggest the talks would be delayed indefinitely.

However, experts believe both Kim and Trump are playing poker ahead of the talks in order to extract something substantial after their meeting and putting their point of view before finally shaking hands.&nbsp

It is being seen as a game of who takes the "upper hand" as June 12th - the day of the talks draws near.

Trump and Kim but the US president on Tuesday seemed to suggest the talks would be delayed indefinitely.

Foreign journalists arrived in Punggye-ri, North Korea today with Kim's regime set to start the demolition of its nuclear site. The dismantling of nuclear weapons is being seen as a "gesture of goodwill" by Kim ahead of his summit talks with Trump next month which the US president now says could be delayed. The demolition of the site at &nbspPunggye-ri is set to start in either on Thursday or Friday. Kim's regime had threatened to pull out of talks with Trump last week after it said US should not pressure it to denuclearise and also it should stop joint military drills with South Korea. South Korean leader Moon Jae-in is playing the role of interlocutor between Trump and Kim but the US president on Tuesday seemed to suggest the talks would be delayed indefinitely. However, experts believe both Kim and Trump are playing poker ahead of the talks in order to extract something substantial after their meeting and putting their point of view before finally shaking hands. It is being seen as a game of who takes the "upper hand" as June 12th - the day of the talks draws near.

Foreign journalists arrive in North Korea ahead of nuclear site demolition

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is "serious" about denuclearization, as he remained coy about whether a landmark June 12 summit would go ahead as planned.

"I do think he is serious. I think he is absolutely very serious," Trump said, amid fears that apparent North Korean backpedaling could scupper the Singapore summit.

"If it does not happen, maybe it will happen later," Trump said, as he began talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House.

'I do think he is serious. I think he is absolutely very serious,' Trump said, amid fears that apparent North Korean backpedaling could scupper the Singapore summit

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he believes North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is "serious" about denuclearization, as he remained coy about whether a landmark June 12 summit would go ahead as planned. "I do think he is serious. I think he is absolutely very serious," Trump said, amid fears that apparent North Korean backpedaling could scupper the Singapore summit. "If it does not happen, maybe it will happen later," Trump said, as he began talks with South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House.

Donald Trump says Kim 'serious' about denuclearization

Even as the US declared<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-willing-to-walk-away-from-north-korea-summit-says-mike-pence-138805"> today that it could call off meeting</a>&nbsp;with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, US missile destroyer USS Milius arrived in Japan today to "reinforce defences".

The warships arrived in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-kim-summit-in-play-as-moon-visits-white-house-138837"> Yokosuka Naval Base ahead</a> of President Trump and Kim Jong Un's much hyped June 12th meeting in Singapore.

The Milius joined two other warships in the Seventh Fleet close to North Korean waters.&nbsp;

"What the Milius has now is the latest and greatest upgrade for the combat system," Commander Jennifer Pontius, the ship's captain was quoted as saying to Reuters.

"It creates increased capacity in various mission areas such as ballistic missile defence, electronic warfare, undersea warfare and air warfare, " Pontius added.

Kim had raised the stakes last week after the North Korean government declared that it would call off talks if the US insisted on&nbsp;“unilateral nuclear abandonment.”

North Korea had also objected to joint military drills between the US and South Korea ahead of the talks. Even then, US officials have said they are preparing for summit talks between the two leaders next month.

Vice President said today the US would "walk away"&nbsp;from talks if North Korea&nbsp;sought concessions from the US it did not intend to keep.

Kim had raised the stakes last week after the North Korean government declared that it would call off talks

Even as the US declared today that it could call off meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, US missile destroyer USS Milius arrived in Japan today to "reinforce defences". The warships arrived in Yokosuka Naval Base ahead of President Trump and Kim Jong Un's much hyped June 12th meeting in Singapore. The Milius joined two other warships in the Seventh Fleet close to North Korean waters. "What the Milius has now is the latest and greatest upgrade for the combat system," Commander Jennifer Pontius, the ship's captain was quoted as saying to Reuters. "It creates increased capacity in various mission areas such as ballistic missile defence, electronic warfare, undersea warfare and air warfare, " Pontius added. Kim had raised the stakes last week after the North Korean government declared that it would call off talks if the US insisted on “unilateral nuclear abandonment.” North Korea had also objected to joint military drills between the US and South Korea ahead of the talks. Even then, US officials have said they are preparing for summit talks between the two leaders next month. Vice President said today the US would "walk away" from talks if North Korea sought concessions from the US it did not intend to keep.

Watch: Ahead of Trump-Kim talks, US bolsters Seventh Fleet near Japan

Amid growing speculations over North Korea cancelling the upcoming summit with the United States, the White House has released a commemorative coin for the meet.&nbsp;

In a bid to mint strong ties with the Kim Jong-Un regime, the Trump administration has released the 'Trip Coin' ahead of the meeting that is scheduled to take place in Singapore on June 12.

The coin has 'Peace Talks' inscribed on it along with the image of both the leaders, facing each other, against the backdrop of the US and the North Korean flag.&nbsp;

The release of the commemorative coin comes shortly after the US President threatened that North Korea could end up like Libya if it fails to fall in line with America's expectations.

"There was some talk about the Libyan model last week, and you know, as the President made clear, this will only end like the Libyan model ended if Kim Jong Un doesn't make a deal," Vice President Mike Pence said in a television interview on Monday. 
&nbsp;

In a bid to mint strong ties with the Kim Jong-Un regime, the Trump administration has released the 'trip coin' ahead of the meeting

Amid growing speculations over North Korea cancelling the upcoming summit with the United States, the White House has released a commemorative coin for the meet. In a bid to mint strong ties with the Kim Jong-Un regime, the Trump administration has released the 'Trip Coin' ahead of the meeting that is scheduled to take place in Singapore on June 12. The coin has 'Peace Talks' inscribed on it along with the image of both the leaders, facing each other, against the backdrop of the US and the North Korean flag. The release of the commemorative coin comes shortly after the US President threatened that North Korea could end up like Libya if it fails to fall in line with America's expectations. "There was some talk about the Libyan model last week, and you know, as the President made clear, this will only end like the Libyan model ended if Kim Jong Un doesn't make a deal," Vice President Mike Pence said in a television interview on Monday.

Watch: White House releases 'trip coin' ahead of US-N. Korea summit

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump is willing to walk away from an unprecedented summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un scheduled for next month, US&nbsp;Vice President Mike&nbsp;Pence&nbsp;said&nbsp;on Monday, after North Korea called into question the meeting last week.

Pence&nbsp;said North Korea should not attempt to seek concessions from the United States for promises it did not intend to keep.

"It would be a great mistake for Kim Jong Un to think he could play Donald Trump,"&nbsp;Pence&nbsp;said according to excerpts of an interview made available to him. When asked if Trump could still walk away from the summit scheduled for&nbsp;June 12&nbsp;in Singapore, he replied: "Well there's no question."

'It would be a great mistake for Kim Jong Un to think he could play Donald Trump,' Pence said

US President Donald Trump is willing to walk away from an unprecedented summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un scheduled for next month, US Vice President Mike Pence said on Monday, after North Korea called into question the meeting last week. Pence said North Korea should not attempt to seek concessions from the United States for promises it did not intend to keep. "It would be a great mistake for Kim Jong Un to think he could play Donald Trump," Pence said according to excerpts of an interview made available to him. When asked if Trump could still walk away from the summit scheduled for June 12 in Singapore, he replied: "Well there's no question."

Trump willing to walk away from North Korea summit: US VP Pence

Donald Trump holds a high-stakes meeting with South Korea's president at the White House&nbsp;Tuesday, talks that could decide whether the US president's much-vaunted summit with the North's leader Kim Jong Un goes ahead.

Moon Jae-in jets into Washington on a mission to salvage a rare diplomatic opening between the US and North Korea that is in trouble almost before it begins.

Trump had agreed to meet inscrutable "Supreme Leader" Kim in Singapore on&nbsp;June 12, but the first-ever US-North Korea summit is now in serious doubt, with both sides expressing reservations.

South Korea -- worried about Kim's bellicose weapons testing and Trump's similarly bellicose warnings about a looming war -- was instrumental in convincing the two Cold War foes to sit down and talk.

Moon sent his own national security advisor to the White House in March, carrying an offer of talks and word that North Korea may be willing to abandon nuclear weapons, an enticing prospect.

Trump surprised his guests, his own aides and the world by summarily accepting the meeting, seeing an opportunity to "do a deal" and avoid military confrontation.

Pyongyang is on the verge of marrying nuclear and missile technology allowing it to hit the continental United States with a nuke, a capability Washington sees as wholly unacceptable.

Since then, there has been a landmark series of intra-Korean meetings, two trips to Pyongyang by Mike Pompeo -- first as CIA director then as America's top diplomat -- and three American citizens have been released from the North.

But after several Trumpian victory laps, North Korea's willingness to denuclearize is now in serious doubt.

Earlier this month, North Korea denounced US demands for "unilateral nuclear abandonment" and cancelled at the last minute a high-level meeting with the South in protest over joint military drills between Seoul and Washington.

Trump responded by saying the meeting may or may not take place.

Vice President Mike Pence warned in an interview&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;night that there was "no question" that Trump would be prepared to walk away from the talks with Kim if it looks like they won't yield results and that the president was not just after a public relations triumph.&nbsp;

Pence said that both the Clinton and Bush administrations "got played" by North Korea when Washington previously tried to get Pyongyang to denuclearize but the current administration would not make the same mistakes.

"It would be a great mistake for Kim Jong Un to think he could play Donald Trump," he told Fox News.

'We'll see what happens'

Trump also surprised many by offering Kim an upfront security guarantee, allowing him to stay in power, and suggested that Kim's apparent about-face may have been at the behest of Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

"It could very well be that he's influencing Kim Jong Un," Trump said, citing a recent meeting between the pair, their second in a month's time. "We'll see what happens."

Analysts saw North Korea's perceived slow peddling as evidence of what they feared all along, that Pyongyang may have been playing for time -- hoping to ease sanctions and "maximum pressure" or of South Korea overtorquing the prospects of a deal.

"The current episode of tension reflects a wide and dangerous expectation gap between the United States and North Korea," said Eric Gomez of the CATO Institute.

"Denuclearization is not off the table for the North, but it expects the United States to end the so-called 'hostile policy' as a precondition for denuclearization."

It is far from clear what that means concretely, but it could include the forced withdrawal of 30,000 US troops from the Korean peninsula.

With just weeks to go and little clarity on what will be discussed or what happens if talks fail, some Korea watchers predict fireworks during Trump's talks with Moon.

"It increasingly looks like the Moon administration overstated North Korea's willingness to deal. Moon will probably get an earful over that," said Robert Kelly of Pusan National University.

Yonhap news agency quoted a Blue House official as saying Moon would "likely tell President Trump what to expect and what not to expect from Kim."

Moon sent his own national security advisor to the White House in March, carrying an offer of talks and word that North Korea may be willing to abandon nuclear weapons

Donald Trump holds a high-stakes meeting with South Korea's president at the White House Tuesday, talks that could decide whether the US president's much-vaunted summit with the North's leader Kim Jong Un goes ahead. Moon Jae-in jets into Washington on a mission to salvage a rare diplomatic opening between the US and North Korea that is in trouble almost before it begins. Trump had agreed to meet inscrutable "Supreme Leader" Kim in Singapore on June 12, but the first-ever US-North Korea summit is now in serious doubt, with both sides expressing reservations. South Korea -- worried about Kim's bellicose weapons testing and Trump's similarly bellicose warnings about a looming war -- was instrumental in convincing the two Cold War foes to sit down and talk. Moon sent his own national security advisor to the White House in March, carrying an offer of talks and word that North Korea may be willing to abandon nuclear weapons, an enticing prospect. Trump surprised his guests, his own aides and the world by summarily accepting the meeting, seeing an opportunity to "do a deal" and avoid military confrontation. Pyongyang is on the verge of marrying nuclear and missile technology allowing it to hit the continental United States with a nuke, a capability Washington sees as wholly unacceptable. Since then, there has been a landmark series of intra-Korean meetings, two trips to Pyongyang by Mike Pompeo -- first as CIA director then as America's top diplomat -- and three American citizens have been released from the North. But after several Trumpian victory laps, North Korea's willingness to denuclearize is now in serious doubt. Earlier this month, North Korea denounced US demands for "unilateral nuclear abandonment" and cancelled at the last minute a high-level meeting with the South in protest over joint military drills between Seoul and Washington. Trump responded by saying the meeting may or may not take place. Vice President Mike Pence warned in an interview on Monday night that there was "no question" that Trump would be prepared to walk away from the talks with Kim if it looks like they won't yield results and that the president was not just after a public relations triumph. Pence said that both the Clinton and Bush administrations "got played" by North Korea when Washington previously tried to get Pyongyang to denuclearize but the current administration would not make the same mistakes. "It would be a great mistake for Kim Jong Un to think he could play Donald Trump," he told Fox News. 'We'll see what happens' Trump also surprised many by offering Kim an upfront security guarantee, allowing him to stay in power, and suggested that Kim's apparent about-face may have been at the behest of Chinese leader Xi Jinping. "It could very well be that he's influencing Kim Jong Un," Trump said, citing a recent meeting between the pair, their second in a month's time. "We'll see what happens." Analysts saw North Korea's perceived slow peddling as evidence of what they feared all along, that Pyongyang may have been playing for time -- hoping to ease sanctions and "maximum pressure" or of South Korea overtorquing the prospects of a deal. "The current episode of tension reflects a wide and dangerous expectation gap between the United States and North Korea," said Eric Gomez of the CATO Institute. "Denuclearization is not off the table for the North, but it expects the United States to end the so-called 'hostile policy' as a precondition for denuclearization." It is far from clear what that means concretely, but it could include the forced withdrawal of 30,000 US troops from the Korean peninsula. With just weeks to go and little clarity on what will be discussed or what happens if talks fail, some Korea watchers predict fireworks during Trump's talks with Moon. "It increasingly looks like the Moon administration overstated North Korea's willingness to deal. Moon will probably get an earful over that," said Robert Kelly of Pusan National University. Yonhap news agency quoted a Blue House official as saying Moon would "likely tell President Trump what to expect and what not to expect from Kim."

Trump-Kim summit in play as Moon visits White House

After making high-profile <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-offers-to-mediate-to-clear-doubts-over-north-korea-us-summit-137708">peace overtures towards South Korea</a> and amid a peace summit with Trump next month, North Korea's minister again lashed out at its "ignorant" neighbour in the south denouncing it as "incompetent".

Ri Son Gwon, chairman of North <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-threatens-to-cancel-us-summit-137331">Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification</a>, criticised the South for conducting joint military drills once again with the US after earlier warnings to pull out of talks with Trump in Singapore next month.

"Unless the serious situation which led to the suspension of the north-south high-level talks is settled, it will never be easy to sit face to face again with the present regime of South Korea," North's KCNA news agency said in a statement.

North Korea had said earlier that it might not attend the June 12 summit with Trump and South Korean president&nbspMoon&nbspif the military drills do not stop and the US on its part continues to prod&nbspit to dismantle its nuclear arsenal.

"On this opportunity, the present South Korean authorities have been clearly proven to be an ignorant and incompetent group devoid of the elementary sense of the present situation," Ri's statement said.

Despite this, the US said it continues to prepare for next month's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.&nbsp

Heather Nauert, State Department spokeswoman, said: "we will continue to go ahead and plan the meeting between president Trump and Kim Jong-Un."

Meanwhile, Trump will host South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House next week with efforts underway by both countries to bring Kim to the negotiating&nbsptable in order to help "denuclearise" the Korean peninsula.

However, North Korea's current mood has made several experts sceptical. Kim's regime is especially against US-South Korean "Max Thunder" air combat drills. The exercise reportedly involves US stealth fighters, B-52 bombers and "nuclear assets".

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XDl_nA-tvp0" width="560"></iframe>

Trump will host South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House next week with efforts underway by both countries to bring Kim to the table

After making high-profile peace overtures towards South Korea and amid a peace summit with Trump next month, North Korea's minister again lashed out at its "ignorant" neighbour in the south denouncing it as "incompetent". Ri Son Gwon, chairman of North Korea's Committee for the Peaceful Reunification, criticised the South for conducting joint military drills once again with the US after earlier warnings to pull out of talks with Trump in Singapore next month. "Unless the serious situation which led to the suspension of the north-south high-level talks is settled, it will never be easy to sit face to face again with the present regime of South Korea," North's KCNA news agency said in a statement. North Korea had said earlier that it might not attend the June 12 summit with Trump and South Korean president&nbspMoon&nbspif the military drills do not stop and the US on its part continues to prod&nbspit to dismantle its nuclear arsenal. "On this opportunity, the present South Korean authorities have been clearly proven to be an ignorant and incompetent group devoid of the elementary sense of the present situation," Ri's statement said. Despite this, the US said it continues to prepare for next month's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Heather Nauert, State Department spokeswoman, said: "we will continue to go ahead and plan the meeting between president Trump and Kim Jong-Un." Meanwhile, Trump will host South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the White House next week with efforts underway by both countries to bring Kim to the negotiating&nbsptable in order to help "denuclearise" the Korean peninsula. However, North Korea's current mood has made several experts sceptical. Kim's regime is especially against US-South Korean "Max Thunder" air combat drills. The exercise reportedly involves US stealth fighters, B-52 bombers and "nuclear assets".

North Korea again lashes out at 'incompetent' South Korea over military drills with US

You could call it the great Korean hiccup, with the caveat that these things have happened before.&nbsp;The apparent trigger was a week-long Air Force exercise involving the US and South Korea. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The North slammed it in its typical fashion: &nbsp;A grim news reader on state-run television warning that "the United States will have to undertake careful deliberations about the fate of the planned North Korea-US summit in light of this provocative military ruckus jointly conducted with the South Korean authorities." 
&nbsp; 
The North Korean statement was actually a double whammy! &nbsp;

Earlier the North had suspended high-level official talks to be held on Wednesday. &nbsp;The South had reason to be puzzled as Kim Jong-Un had indicated he understood why the US and South Korea held joint military exercises. &nbsp;

The hint was he would not object but how does one explain the turnaround? 
&nbsp; 
The pundits on the peninsula suspect Kim maybe opening his cards on the US demand for "unilateral de-nuclearisation". &nbsp;Kim probably wanted to forewarn Trump on what to expect when they sit down for the June summit. &nbsp; &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The US responded cautiously, saying it had not heard anything from Seoul or Pyongyang and was proceeding according to the plan. &nbsp;

Heather Nauert, State Department spokeswoman, had said: "we will continue to go ahead and plan the meeting between president Trump and Kim Jong-Un." 
&nbsp; 
What does the mercurial "rocket man" want? Clearly, he wants to keep his nuclear weapons, his refusal to spell out his views on de-nuclearisation so far may have been deliberate, intended to reap the harvest of goodwill generated by his decision to stop nuclear testing. &nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Now, rocket man Kim is apparently willing to play. &nbsp;Fittingly he began in Punggye-Ri, where he has so far tested six nuclear devices.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Satellite images of the Punggye-Ri test site in the eastern part of the country show some dismantling work in progress but this has not been extended to the nuclear reactor and uranium enrichment facility in Yongbyon or the missile factory at the military base in Hwange province.

The US is clear about what it wants, a point reiterated by national security adviserJohnn Bolton who said: "what ports should American freighters sail into and what airbases should American cargo planes land at so that we can dismantle your nuclear weapons program, put it in those planes and boats and sail it back to America to put it at oak ridge, Tennessee."

Bolton was referring to the Libyan model, the terms and conditions under which in 2003 and 2004, Libya was stripped of its nuclear material, equipment and uranium in return for sanctions being eased. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"Rocket man" may want something more tangible from the US such as withdrawal of all US forces from South Korea and a nuclear guarantee which is exactly what nuclear guarantee means is not clear maybe a promise his regime will not be targeted, its survival is guaranteed, an end to all sanctions and so on. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
North Korea has many advantages unlike Libya, its nuclear weapons programme is advanced and it has developed and demonstrated its weapons including those that can reach the US. &nbsp;

Kim will also ensure any "de-nuclearization" is phased out with access to sites controlled by him. &nbsp;A deal on de-nuclearization could start with a moratorium on further tests, which Kim announced last month. &nbsp;

It could be followed by a freeze on the production of nuclear materials and the rollback of warhead stocks. &nbsp;This was roughly the experience with the Libyan model. &nbsp;Let's see what shape the Korean model could take but be prepared for anything even a complete reversal of what we've seen so far.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Now rocket man Kim is apparently willing to play. Fittingly he began in Punggye-Ri, where he has so far tested six nuclear devices.

You could call it the great Korean hiccup, with the caveat that these things have happened before. The apparent trigger was a week-long Air Force exercise involving the US and South Korea. The North slammed it in its typical fashion: A grim news reader on state-run television warning that "the United States will have to undertake careful deliberations about the fate of the planned North Korea-US summit in light of this provocative military ruckus jointly conducted with the South Korean authorities." The North Korean statement was actually a double whammy! Earlier the North had suspended high-level official talks to be held on Wednesday. The South had reason to be puzzled as Kim Jong-Un had indicated he understood why the US and South Korea held joint military exercises. The hint was he would not object but how does one explain the turnaround? The pundits on the peninsula suspect Kim maybe opening his cards on the US demand for "unilateral de-nuclearisation". Kim probably wanted to forewarn Trump on what to expect when they sit down for the June summit. The US responded cautiously, saying it had not heard anything from Seoul or Pyongyang and was proceeding according to the plan. Heather Nauert, State Department spokeswoman, had said: "we will continue to go ahead and plan the meeting between president Trump and Kim Jong-Un." What does the mercurial "rocket man" want? Clearly, he wants to keep his nuclear weapons, his refusal to spell out his views on de-nuclearisation so far may have been deliberate, intended to reap the harvest of goodwill generated by his decision to stop nuclear testing. Now, rocket man Kim is apparently willing to play. Fittingly he began in Punggye-Ri, where he has so far tested six nuclear devices. Satellite images of the Punggye-Ri test site in the eastern part of the country show some dismantling work in progress but this has not been extended to the nuclear reactor and uranium enrichment facility in Yongbyon or the missile factory at the military base in Hwange province. The US is clear about what it wants, a point reiterated by national security adviserJohnn Bolton who said: "what ports should American freighters sail into and what airbases should American cargo planes land at so that we can dismantle your nuclear weapons program, put it in those planes and boats and sail it back to America to put it at oak ridge, Tennessee." Bolton was referring to the Libyan model, the terms and conditions under which in 2003 and 2004, Libya was stripped of its nuclear material, equipment and uranium in return for sanctions being eased. "Rocket man" may want something more tangible from the US such as withdrawal of all US forces from South Korea and a nuclear guarantee which is exactly what nuclear guarantee means is not clear maybe a promise his regime will not be targeted, its survival is guaranteed, an end to all sanctions and so on. North Korea has many advantages unlike Libya, its nuclear weapons programme is advanced and it has developed and demonstrated its weapons including those that can reach the US. Kim will also ensure any "de-nuclearization" is phased out with access to sites controlled by him. A deal on de-nuclearization could start with a moratorium on further tests, which Kim announced last month. It could be followed by a freeze on the production of nuclear materials and the rollback of warhead stocks. This was roughly the experience with the Libyan model. Let's see what shape the Korean model could take but be prepared for anything even a complete reversal of what we've seen so far. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion - North Korean hiccup: US should apply 'Libyan model' on North Korea

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