North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will be served a lavish feast at the Korean summit on Friday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, the South's presidential Blue House said on Tuesday.

Kim Jong-un will cross the demilitarised zone between North Korea and South Korea on Friday for the highest level meeting held to date with South’s President Moon Jae-in.

The two states are set to discuss the North’s nuclear arsenal which its leader has vowed to dismantle.

The leader will be served Swiss rösti with a Korean style in a specially curated banquet menu, presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said in a briefing Tuesday.

North Korea has never confirmed Kim Jong Un was educated in Switzerland, but former classmates and teachers have said they spent time with him there. Swiss newspapers have also reported Kim went to school under a pseudonym in Switzerland.

Kim and Moon can wash down their meal with a fragrant wine made from azaleas.

Also on their table will be a distilled liquor called munbaeju that is 40 per cent alcohol by volume and which originated in the North, but is now traditionally made in the South.

Here's what in store:&nbsp;

Cold salad with octopus 

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The octopus is from Tongyeong at the southern tip of the peninsula which will be served in a bed of lettuce including other vegetables.&nbsp;

Rosti 

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The fried potato dish was chosen as an homage to Kim's childhood spent in Switzerland, the Blue House said in announcing the menu for Friday's welcome dinner.

Baked John Dory

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Baked John Dory, a dish made from the flat sea fish, will be served as a nod to Moon's younger days in the South&nbsp;Korean&nbsp;port city of Busan.

Dumplings with crocker fish and sea cucumber

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The dish&nbsp;originated from&nbsp;Gageo Island, Shinan county and includes dumplings stuffed with crocker fish and cucumber served in a bed of broth.&nbsp;

Charcoal-grilled beef

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The Hanwoo beef is President Moon's favorite. It&nbsp;comes from Seosan county, South Chungcheong province.

Rice organically produced using ducks

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This process of using trained ducks for weeding and pest control on rice farms originated in Bonghwa county, South Gyeongsang Province.

Grilled dalgogi fish

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Mango mousse chocolate dome

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Another item on the menu will be Pyongyang-style cold noodles, or naengmyeon, served in a chilled meat broth.

"President Moon had requested Pyongyang-style cold noodles from Okryu Gwan be included on the menu and North Korea gladly accepted," said Kim Eui-kyeom, the Blue House spokesman.

Okryu Gwan is North Korea's best-known restaurant famous for the dish, and has branches in China as well.

The cold noodles will be made by the head chef at Okryu Gwan, who will travel to the truce border village of Panmunjom where the two leaders will meet on Friday, the Blue House spokesman said.

The leader will be served Swiss rösti with a Korean style in a specially curated banquet menu, presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said in a briefing Tuesday

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will be served a lavish feast at the Korean summit on Friday with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, the South's presidential Blue House said on Tuesday. Kim Jong-un will cross the demilitarised zone between North Korea and South Korea on Friday for the highest level meeting held to date with South’s President Moon Jae-in. The two states are set to discuss the North’s nuclear arsenal which its leader has vowed to dismantle. The leader will be served Swiss rösti with a Korean style in a specially curated banquet menu, presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said in a briefing Tuesday. North Korea has never confirmed Kim Jong Un was educated in Switzerland, but former classmates and teachers have said they spent time with him there. Swiss newspapers have also reported Kim went to school under a pseudonym in Switzerland. Kim and Moon can wash down their meal with a fragrant wine made from azaleas. Also on their table will be a distilled liquor called munbaeju that is 40 per cent alcohol by volume and which originated in the North, but is now traditionally made in the South. Here's what in store: Cold salad with octopus The octopus is from Tongyeong at the southern tip of the peninsula which will be served in a bed of lettuce including other vegetables. Rosti The fried potato dish was chosen as an homage to Kim's childhood spent in Switzerland, the Blue House said in announcing the menu for Friday's welcome dinner. Baked John Dory Baked John Dory, a dish made from the flat sea fish, will be served as a nod to Moon's younger days in the South Korean port city of Busan. Dumplings with crocker fish and sea cucumber The dish originated from Gageo Island, Shinan county and includes dumplings stuffed with crocker fish and cucumber served in a bed of broth. Charcoal-grilled beef The Hanwoo beef is President Moon's favorite. It comes from Seosan county, South Chungcheong province. Rice organically produced using ducks This process of using trained ducks for weeding and pest control on rice farms originated in Bonghwa county, South Gyeongsang Province. Grilled dalgogi fish Mango mousse chocolate dome Another item on the menu will be Pyongyang-style cold noodles, or naengmyeon, served in a chilled meat broth. "President Moon had requested Pyongyang-style cold noodles from Okryu Gwan be included on the menu and North Korea gladly accepted," said Kim Eui-kyeom, the Blue House spokesman. Okryu Gwan is North Korea's best-known restaurant famous for the dish, and has branches in China as well. The cold noodles will be made by the head chef at Okryu Gwan, who will travel to the truce border village of Panmunjom where the two leaders will meet on Friday, the Blue House spokesman said.

Here's what Kim and Moon will feast on at the Korean Summit this week

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Chinese embassy in Pyongyang to express his sorrow to the bus crash incident occurred on Sunday, state media reported on Tuesday.

North's central news agency KCNA quoted Kim saying that "the unexpected accident brought bitter sorrow to his heart and that he couldn't control his grief at the thought of the bereaved families who lost their blood relatives".

On Sunday a bus plunged from a bridge in North Hwanghae province in North Korea leaving thirty-two Chinese tourists and four North Koreans dead.

Kim Jong-un also met Chinese ambassador Li Jinjun and later he visited crash survivors in hospital.

China is North Korea's most important economic, diplomatic and sole ally but the relations between both countries has been sored through time due to Pyongyang's numerous missile and nuclear tests.

Kim visiting crash survivors in hospital and expressing his sorrow is being observed by experts as an indication of how much seriousness North Korea is taking the accident.

News reports also cited Kim saying that his government would take follow-up measures to the accident with "utmost sincerity".

Kim Jong-un also visited Beijing to personally meet Chinese President Xi-Jinping in March. The March visit was a first known visit by Kim Jong-un outside North Korea borders since 2011.

Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un also made an announcement for closing down its nuclear test site ahead of the Korea-summit with South Korea President Moon Jae-In and will be followed by a planned face-to-face with US President Donald Trump.

&nbsp;

Four North Koreans were also killed in the crash

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Chinese embassy in Pyongyang to express his sorrow to the bus crash incident occurred on Sunday, state media reported on Tuesday. North's central news agency KCNA quoted Kim saying that "the unexpected accident brought bitter sorrow to his heart and that he couldn't control his grief at the thought of the bereaved families who lost their blood relatives". On Sunday a bus plunged from a bridge in North Hwanghae province in North Korea leaving thirty-two Chinese tourists and four North Koreans dead. Kim Jong-un also met Chinese ambassador Li Jinjun and later he visited crash survivors in hospital. China is North Korea's most important economic, diplomatic and sole ally but the relations between both countries has been sored through time due to Pyongyang's numerous missile and nuclear tests. Kim visiting crash survivors in hospital and expressing his sorrow is being observed by experts as an indication of how much seriousness North Korea is taking the accident. News reports also cited Kim saying that his government would take follow-up measures to the accident with "utmost sincerity". Kim Jong-un also visited Beijing to personally meet Chinese President Xi-Jinping in March. The March visit was a first known visit by Kim Jong-un outside North Korea borders since 2011. Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un also made an announcement for closing down its nuclear test site ahead of the Korea-summit with South Korea President Moon Jae-In and will be followed by a planned face-to-face with US President Donald Trump.

North Korea's Kim Jong-un expresses 'bitter sorrow' over bus crash that killed 32 Chinese

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said on Tuesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had been "very honourable" and that discussions ahead of a planned meeting between the two leaders were going well.

"We have been told directly that they would like to have the meeting as soon as possible, and we think that's a great thing for the world," Trump told reporters during a meeting with French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron at the White House.

"We're having ... very good discussions. Kim Jong Un, he really has been very open and I think very honourable from everything we're seeing," Trump added.

Trump has said he could meet with Kim in late May or June.

The United States is pressing North Korea to denuclearize and has said it would keep up a policy of "maximum pressure" on Pyongyang to achieve that goal.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday North Korea had expressed a commitment to "complete denuclearization" of the Korean peninsula, and North Korea said on Saturday it would immediately suspend nuclear and missile test

Trump has said he could meet with Kim in late May or June

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said on Tuesday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had been "very honourable" and that discussions ahead of a planned meeting between the two leaders were going well. "We have been told directly that they would like to have the meeting as soon as possible, and we think that's a great thing for the world," Trump told reporters during a meeting with French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron at the White House. "We're having ... very good discussions. Kim Jong Un, he really has been very open and I think very honourable from everything we're seeing," Trump added. Trump has said he could meet with Kim in late May or June. The United States is pressing North Korea to denuclearize and has said it would keep up a policy of "maximum pressure" on Pyongyang to achieve that goal. South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday North Korea had expressed a commitment to "complete denuclearization" of the Korean peninsula, and North Korea said on Saturday it would immediately suspend nuclear and missile test

Trump says talks with North Korea going well ahead of summit

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un will make history on Friday by becoming the first North Korean leader to set foot in South Korea in six decades. He will meet South Korean president Moon Jae-in for the third <a href="www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-says-discussing-peace-deal-with-north-korea-ahead-of-summit-131156">inter-Korean summit</a>.

The two leaders will discuss a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.

Ahead of the summit, WION visited the heavily-militarised border between the two neighbours, also known as the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), to get the real picture of one of the most heavily guarded places on earth.

The DMZ - a legacy of the Cold War - intersects the 38th Parallel, which was the border separating the two countries before the Korean war of 1950. WION reached there from Seoul, which has all the hallmarks of a thriving metropolis, complete with skyscrapers and glitzy malls. But as we moved towards the border, the urban landscape gave way to rugged terrain and after a 90-minute bus ride, barbed wire fences, military vehicles, observation posts and barricades came into sight, suggesting that we have entered a high security area.

As soon as we reached the DMZ, a military tank was announcing the location: Joint security area administered by the United Nations. The flags of South Korea, the United Nations, and the United States were lining the roads.

The United States is a signatory to the 1953 Armistice which ended the Korean war. So, any resolution of the crisis on the Korean peninsula will need three-way talks, bringing together South and North Korea and the United States.

We were then escorted into the briefing hall under the watchful eyes of armed guards. And from there, aboard United Nations vehicles, to reach the village of Tae Song Dong, close to the border with North Korea.

Our first stop in the village was an elementary school, the only one of its kind inside the demilitarised zone. But for the children here, the initials DMZ stands for Dream Making Zone. The principal said that the UN regulations cap the number of students at 35, eight of whom live inside the DMZ.

There were 10 teachers in all. Asked if threat of hostilities at the border with North Korea made him nervous, the principal said "no". The ever watchful South Korean soldiers rebuffed all attempts to strike a conversation with the principal.

A younger teacher volunteered to speak but the South Korean soldiers in blue intervened again, saying it is time to move on. Outside, a South Korean official - a woman accompanying the journalists - instructed the WION team to stop recording.

The heavy military presence ensured that no one from the families living in the village ventured out to speak to the media. And the WION team was again stopped from filming from where the border with North Korea can be seen on the horizon.

Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are <a href="www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-long-way-to-go-on-north-korea-crisis-132097">technically still at war</a> because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty and the North has been engaged in a standoff over its nuclear and missile programmes that it conducts in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions.

But <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-switches-off-propaganda-broadcasts-moon-upbeat-on-north-korea-nuclear-halt-132265">tensions have eased</a> in recent months, with the North taking part in the Winter Olympics in the South in February and an exchange of threats of war with the United States and other bellicose rhetoric evaporating.

The DMZ - a legacy of the Cold War - intersects the 38th Parallel, which was the border separating the two countries before the Korean war of 1950.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un will make history on Friday by becoming the first North Korean leader to set foot in South Korea in six decades. He will meet South Korean president Moon Jae-in for the third inter-Korean summit. The two leaders will discuss a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear weapons programme. Ahead of the summit, WION visited the heavily-militarised border between the two neighbours, also known as the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), to get the real picture of one of the most heavily guarded places on earth. The DMZ - a legacy of the Cold War - intersects the 38th Parallel, which was the border separating the two countries before the Korean war of 1950. WION reached there from Seoul, which has all the hallmarks of a thriving metropolis, complete with skyscrapers and glitzy malls. But as we moved towards the border, the urban landscape gave way to rugged terrain and after a 90-minute bus ride, barbed wire fences, military vehicles, observation posts and barricades came into sight, suggesting that we have entered a high security area. As soon as we reached the DMZ, a military tank was announcing the location: Joint security area administered by the United Nations. The flags of South Korea, the United Nations, and the United States were lining the roads. The United States is a signatory to the 1953 Armistice which ended the Korean war. So, any resolution of the crisis on the Korean peninsula will need three-way talks, bringing together South and North Korea and the United States. We were then escorted into the briefing hall under the watchful eyes of armed guards. And from there, aboard United Nations vehicles, to reach the village of Tae Song Dong, close to the border with North Korea. Our first stop in the village was an elementary school, the only one of its kind inside the demilitarised zone. But for the children here, the initials DMZ stands for Dream Making Zone. The principal said that the UN regulations cap the number of students at 35, eight of whom live inside the DMZ. There were 10 teachers in all. Asked if threat of hostilities at the border with North Korea made him nervous, the principal said "no". The ever watchful South Korean soldiers rebuffed all attempts to strike a conversation with the principal. A younger teacher volunteered to speak but the South Korean soldiers in blue intervened again, saying it is time to move on. Outside, a South Korean official - a woman accompanying the journalists - instructed the WION team to stop recording. The heavy military presence ensured that no one from the families living in the village ventured out to speak to the media. And the WION team was again stopped from filming from where the border with North Korea can be seen on the horizon. Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty and the North has been engaged in a standoff over its nuclear and missile programmes that it conducts in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions. But tensions have eased in recent months, with the North taking part in the Winter Olympics in the South in February and an exchange of threats of war with the United States and other bellicose rhetoric evaporating.

Ahead of the inter-Korean summit, ground report from DMZ

On Sunday, group of seven foreign ministers (The G-7 ministers) announced that they will never accept North Korea until it remains armed and further pledged to continue "maximum pressure" on Pyongyang until it rids itself of nuclear weapons, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said.

Kono further stated that Pyongyang’s announcement of denuclearisation, suspend nuclear tests and long-range missile launches were insufficient to meet the demands of the international community. His comment came after US President Donald Trump incorrectly asserted over Twitter on Sunday morning that North Korea had agreed to denuclearization.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Sleepy Eyes Chuck Todd of Fake News NBC just stated that we have given up so much in our negotiations with North Korea, and they have given up nothing. Wow, we haven’t given up anything & they have agreed to denuclearization (so great for World), site closure, & no more testing!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/988037292932653056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The G-7 ministers called for North Korea to abandon all weapons of mass destruction, including biological and chemical weapons, and its ballistic missile programmes, including short- and medium-range missiles capable of hitting South Korea and Japan, according to Kono.

The other G-7 members – Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United States plus the European Union – meanwhile backed Kono’s call for the immediate resolution of North Korea’s abduction of Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s.

Meanwhile, the nuclear envoys of South Korea and Japan met on Monday to talk about the denuclearization of North Korea ahead of the Korean summit.&nbsp;

Lee Do-hoon, South Korea's top nuclear negotiator, held the meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Kenji Kanasugi, in Seoul which comes before two important South Korean summits with North Korea and the United States.

"There are many significant events in the near future, which are the inter-Korean summit, followed by the U.S.-North Korea summit," Lee Do-hoon said.

Lee Do-hoon further believed that such meetings would strengthen the process of denuclearisation of North Korea.

Earlier on April 21, China hailed North Korea decision to suspend its nuclear operations that is said to further promote denuclearization of the region.&nbsp;

The G-7 ministers called for North Korea to abandon all weapons of mass destruction, including biological and chemical weapons, and its ballistic missile programmes, including short- and medium-range missiles capable of hitting South Korea and Japan, according to Kono

On Sunday, group of seven foreign ministers (The G-7 ministers) announced that they will never accept North Korea until it remains armed and further pledged to continue "maximum pressure" on Pyongyang until it rids itself of nuclear weapons, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said. Kono further stated that Pyongyang’s announcement of denuclearisation, suspend nuclear tests and long-range missile launches were insufficient to meet the demands of the international community. His comment came after US President Donald Trump incorrectly asserted over Twitter on Sunday morning that North Korea had agreed to denuclearization. Sleepy Eyes Chuck Todd of Fake News NBC just stated that we have given up so much in our negotiations with North Korea, and they have given up nothing. Wow, we haven’t given up anything & they have agreed to denuclearization (so great for World), site closure, & no more testing! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 22, 2018 × The G-7 ministers called for North Korea to abandon all weapons of mass destruction, including biological and chemical weapons, and its ballistic missile programmes, including short- and medium-range missiles capable of hitting South Korea and Japan, according to Kono. The other G-7 members – Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United States plus the European Union – meanwhile backed Kono’s call for the immediate resolution of North Korea’s abduction of Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s. Meanwhile, the nuclear envoys of South Korea and Japan met on Monday to talk about the denuclearization of North Korea ahead of the Korean summit. Lee Do-hoon, South Korea's top nuclear negotiator, held the meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Kenji Kanasugi, in Seoul which comes before two important South Korean summits with North Korea and the United States. "There are many significant events in the near future, which are the inter-Korean summit, followed by the U.S.-North Korea summit," Lee Do-hoon said. Lee Do-hoon further believed that such meetings would strengthen the process of denuclearisation of North Korea. Earlier on April 21, China hailed North Korea decision to suspend its nuclear operations that is said to further promote denuclearization of the region.

G-7 ministers will never accept North Korea until it remains armed: Japanese foreign minister

South Korea halted the propaganda broadcasts it blares across the border at North Korea on Monday ahead of their first summit in a decade, as US&nbspPresident Donald Trump cautioned the nuclear crisis on the peninsula was a long way from being resolved.

North and South Korea are in the final stages of preparations for a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-In at the border truce village of Panmunjom on Friday.

Ahead of the summit, North Korea announced it would halt nuclear and missile tests and said it was scrapping its nuclear test site to instead pursue economic growth and peace.

“North Korea’s decision to freeze its nuclear program is a significant decision for the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula,” South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a regular meeting at the Blue House on Monday.

“It is a green light that raises the chances of positive outcomes at the North’s summits with South Korea and the United States. If North Korea goes the path of complete denuclearization starting from this, then a bright future for North Korea can be guaranteed.”

The South’s propaganda broadcasts were stopped at midnight, the defense ministry said, without specifying whether they would resume after the Kim-Moon summit.

“We hope this decision will lead both Koreas to stop mutual criticism and propaganda against each other and also contribute in creating peace and a new beginning,” the South Korean defense ministry said about the decision to halt the broadcasts.

It is the first time in more than two years the South Korean broadcasts, which include a mixture of news, South Korean pop music and criticism of the North Korean regime, have been stopped.

North Korea has its own propaganda loudspeakers at the border, but a defense ministry official said he could not verify whether the North had stopped its broadcasts.

Caution

The inter-Korean talks and a planned meeting between Kim and Trump in the coming weeks have raised hopes of an easing in tensions that reached a crescendo last year amid a flurry of North Korean missile tests and its largest nuclear test.

After initially welcoming Pyongyang’s statement on halting nuclear and missile tests, Trump sounded a more cautious note on Sunday.

“We are a long way from conclusion on North Korea, maybe things will work out, and maybe they won’t - only time will tell,” Trump said on Twitter.

Still, South Korean companies with exposure to North Korea rallied after Pyongyang’s weekend announcement.

Shares of Good People (033340.KQ) and Shinwon Corp (009270.KS), which used to operate factories in North Korea’s Kaesong industrial region near the Demilitarized Zone, surged 8 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively.

China, North Korea’s main ally, also welcomed the North Korean announcement, but editorials in state-run media on Monday were tempered with notes of caution.

The China Daily, the official English-languages newspaper of the Chinese government, said the pledges conveyed the message that Kim will sit down for talks as the leader of a legitimate nuclear power.

“Negotiations about actual nuclear disarmament will likely prove arduous given such weapons are critical to Pyongyang’s sense of security. It will require ironclad security guarantees if it is to relinquish them.”

The Global Times, a hawkish tabloid newspaper run by the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily, said all parties “should cherish this hard-won state of affairs” and continue to make efforts toward peace and denuclearization.

“Washington should not regard North Korea’s halt to nuclear and missile tests as a result of its maximum pressure,” the Global Times wrote.

“It must be attributed to multiple factors, one of which is that Pyongyang has mastered certain advanced nuclear technologies and successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of more than 10,000 km.”

The United States, through the United Nations, has pursued a series of tightening sanctions on North Korea aimed at cutting its access to foreign currency.

Customs data on Monday showed China’s imports from North Korea fell 87 per cent in the first three months of the year, while exports dropped 46 per cent.

Tourism, dominated by Chinese visitors, remains a key export earner for North Korea. Chinese tourists have been involved in a major bus accident in North Korea and there are a large number of casualties, Chinese state media and the government said on Monday.

North and South Korea are in the final stages of preparations for a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-In at the border truce village of Panmunjom on Friday

South Korea halted the propaganda broadcasts it blares across the border at North Korea on Monday ahead of their first summit in a decade, as US&nbspPresident Donald Trump cautioned the nuclear crisis on the peninsula was a long way from being resolved. North and South Korea are in the final stages of preparations for a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-In at the border truce village of Panmunjom on Friday. Ahead of the summit, North Korea announced it would halt nuclear and missile tests and said it was scrapping its nuclear test site to instead pursue economic growth and peace. “North Korea’s decision to freeze its nuclear program is a significant decision for the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula,” South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a regular meeting at the Blue House on Monday. “It is a green light that raises the chances of positive outcomes at the North’s summits with South Korea and the United States. If North Korea goes the path of complete denuclearization starting from this, then a bright future for North Korea can be guaranteed.” The South’s propaganda broadcasts were stopped at midnight, the defense ministry said, without specifying whether they would resume after the Kim-Moon summit. “We hope this decision will lead both Koreas to stop mutual criticism and propaganda against each other and also contribute in creating peace and a new beginning,” the South Korean defense ministry said about the decision to halt the broadcasts. It is the first time in more than two years the South Korean broadcasts, which include a mixture of news, South Korean pop music and criticism of the North Korean regime, have been stopped. North Korea has its own propaganda loudspeakers at the border, but a defense ministry official said he could not verify whether the North had stopped its broadcasts. Caution The inter-Korean talks and a planned meeting between Kim and Trump in the coming weeks have raised hopes of an easing in tensions that reached a crescendo last year amid a flurry of North Korean missile tests and its largest nuclear test. After initially welcoming Pyongyang’s statement on halting nuclear and missile tests, Trump sounded a more cautious note on Sunday. “We are a long way from conclusion on North Korea, maybe things will work out, and maybe they won’t - only time will tell,” Trump said on Twitter. Still, South Korean companies with exposure to North Korea rallied after Pyongyang’s weekend announcement. Shares of Good People (033340.KQ) and Shinwon Corp (009270.KS), which used to operate factories in North Korea’s Kaesong industrial region near the Demilitarized Zone, surged 8 per cent and 15 per cent, respectively. China, North Korea’s main ally, also welcomed the North Korean announcement, but editorials in state-run media on Monday were tempered with notes of caution. The China Daily, the official English-languages newspaper of the Chinese government, said the pledges conveyed the message that Kim will sit down for talks as the leader of a legitimate nuclear power. “Negotiations about actual nuclear disarmament will likely prove arduous given such weapons are critical to Pyongyang’s sense of security. It will require ironclad security guarantees if it is to relinquish them.” The Global Times, a hawkish tabloid newspaper run by the ruling Communist Party’s official People’s Daily, said all parties “should cherish this hard-won state of affairs” and continue to make efforts toward peace and denuclearization. “Washington should not regard North Korea’s halt to nuclear and missile tests as a result of its maximum pressure,” the Global Times wrote. “It must be attributed to multiple factors, one of which is that Pyongyang has mastered certain advanced nuclear technologies and successfully launched an intercontinental ballistic missile with a range of more than 10,000 km.” The United States, through the United Nations, has pursued a series of tightening sanctions on North Korea aimed at cutting its access to foreign currency. Customs data on Monday showed China’s imports from North Korea fell 87 per cent in the first three months of the year, while exports dropped 46 per cent. Tourism, dominated by Chinese visitors, remains a key export earner for North Korea. Chinese tourists have been involved in a major bus accident in North Korea and there are a large number of casualties, Chinese state media and the government said on Monday.

South Korea switches off propaganda broadcasts, Moon upbeat on North Korea nuclear halt

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said the North Korean nuclear crisis is far from conclusion on Sunday, striking a cautious note a day after the North`s pledge to end its nuclear tests raised hopes before planned summits with South Korea and the United States.&nbsp

North Korea said on Saturday it was suspending nuclear and missile tests and scrapping its nuclear test site, and instead pursuing economic growth and peace ahead of planned summits with South Korea and the United States.

"We are a long way from conclusion on North Korea, maybe things will work out, and maybe they won’t - only time will tell....But the work I am doing now should have been done a long time ago!" Trump said on Twitter.

World leaders welcomed the announcement about the end to nuclear tests including Trump, who in an earlier tweet Sunday called North Korea's statement a pledge to denuclearize: "Wow, we haven’t given up anything & they have agreed to denuclearization (so great for World), site closure, and no more testing!"

However, Kim's announcement did not include a commitment to scrap existing nuclear weapons and missiles, and there are doubts he would ever give up the nuclear arsenal his country has been developing for decades.

Some have expressed doubts about the North's intentions and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will be under intense international scrutiny when he meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday.

"North Korea has a long history of raising the issue of denuclearisation and has committed to freeze its nuclear weapons programmes in the past. We all remember how those pledges and commitments went down over past decades," said Nam Sung-wook, a professor of North Korean Studies at Korea University in Seoul.&nbsp

"Although the North's announcement is quite dramatic, it's natural for the world to be extra sensitive to every word spoken by Kim."

Kim said North Korea no longer needed to test nuclear bombs or intercontinental ballistic missiles now that his country had the weapons, and he would gear all efforts toward economic development.

Moon, who welcomed Kim's announcement as a "major" step toward denuclearisation, is making the summit his sole focus this week, staying in the presidential Blue House to prepare with no outside engagements, a Blue House official said on Sunday.

South Korea's presidential security service met officials from the military as well as the UN&nbspCommand on Saturday to discuss security at the border truce village of Panmunjom, where the inter-Korean summit will take place, the official said.

For the past few weeks, South Korea has been renovating Peace House, on its side of Panmunjom, to prepare for the summit with Kim, who will be the first North Korean leader to set foot in the South since the 1950-1953 Korean War.

On Monday, the two Koreas will hold another round of working-level talks at the Tongil Pavilion on the North Korean side of Panmunjom to discuss protocol, security and media coverage of the summit.

'Big progress'

Moon now has a direct phone link with Kim on his office desk, instead of having to communicate through a hotline at the Joint Security Area in Panmunjom, which had been the main channel between the two sides over the Winter Olympics in February.&nbsp

The two leaders are expected to talk over the newly installed phone for the first time this week, before the summit, South Korea said on Friday.&nbsp

A senior US&nbspdiplomat for East Asia, Susan Thornton, called North Korea's latest announcement "a very positive step" as she started a three-day visit to Seoul on Sunday, which will include meetings with South Korea's foreign minister as well as its top nuclear negotiator.

"We are going to be doing a lot of close coordination with South Korea, allies and partners this week," the Yonhap news agency quoted her as saying.&nbsp

Earlier, Trump called North Korea's offer to freeze testing and close its only known nuclear testing site "very good news" and "big progress", while South Korea said it signified "meaningful" progress that would create good conditions for successful summits with it and later with the United States.

Kim is expected to meet Trump in late May or early June, the first meeting between sitting leaders of the two countries.

US&nbspofficials say North Korea had in the past repeatedly reneged on denuclearisation agreements, the latest in 2012 when the North launched a long-range rocket after agreeing to a moratorium on missile testing.

Cheong Seong-chang, senior research fellow at the Sejong Institute think-tank, said a firm commitment to denuclearise could not be expected before negotiations with the United States began.

"Kim cannot give up everything at once. What is clear is that he is showing his earnest willingness to pave the way for smooth negotiations," Cheong said.

North Korea said on Saturday it was suspending nuclear and missile tests and scrapping its nuclear test site

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump said the North Korean nuclear crisis is far from conclusion on Sunday, striking a cautious note a day after the North`s pledge to end its nuclear tests raised hopes before planned summits with South Korea and the United States. North Korea said on Saturday it was suspending nuclear and missile tests and scrapping its nuclear test site, and instead pursuing economic growth and peace ahead of planned summits with South Korea and the United States. "We are a long way from conclusion on North Korea, maybe things will work out, and maybe they won’t - only time will tell....But the work I am doing now should have been done a long time ago!" Trump said on Twitter. World leaders welcomed the announcement about the end to nuclear tests including Trump, who in an earlier tweet Sunday called North Korea's statement a pledge to denuclearize: "Wow, we haven’t given up anything & they have agreed to denuclearization (so great for World), site closure, and no more testing!" However, Kim's announcement did not include a commitment to scrap existing nuclear weapons and missiles, and there are doubts he would ever give up the nuclear arsenal his country has been developing for decades. Some have expressed doubts about the North's intentions and South Korean President Moon Jae-in will be under intense international scrutiny when he meets North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Friday. "North Korea has a long history of raising the issue of denuclearisation and has committed to freeze its nuclear weapons programmes in the past. We all remember how those pledges and commitments went down over past decades," said Nam Sung-wook, a professor of North Korean Studies at Korea University in Seoul. "Although the North's announcement is quite dramatic, it's natural for the world to be extra sensitive to every word spoken by Kim." Kim said North Korea no longer needed to test nuclear bombs or intercontinental ballistic missiles now that his country had the weapons, and he would gear all efforts toward economic development. Moon, who welcomed Kim's announcement as a "major" step toward denuclearisation, is making the summit his sole focus this week, staying in the presidential Blue House to prepare with no outside engagements, a Blue House official said on Sunday. South Korea's presidential security service met officials from the military as well as the UN&nbspCommand on Saturday to discuss security at the border truce village of Panmunjom, where the inter-Korean summit will take place, the official said. For the past few weeks, South Korea has been renovating Peace House, on its side of Panmunjom, to prepare for the summit with Kim, who will be the first North Korean leader to set foot in the South since the 1950-1953 Korean War. On Monday, the two Koreas will hold another round of working-level talks at the Tongil Pavilion on the North Korean side of Panmunjom to discuss protocol, security and media coverage of the summit. 'Big progress' Moon now has a direct phone link with Kim on his office desk, instead of having to communicate through a hotline at the Joint Security Area in Panmunjom, which had been the main channel between the two sides over the Winter Olympics in February. The two leaders are expected to talk over the newly installed phone for the first time this week, before the summit, South Korea said on Friday. A senior US&nbspdiplomat for East Asia, Susan Thornton, called North Korea's latest announcement "a very positive step" as she started a three-day visit to Seoul on Sunday, which will include meetings with South Korea's foreign minister as well as its top nuclear negotiator. "We are going to be doing a lot of close coordination with South Korea, allies and partners this week," the Yonhap news agency quoted her as saying. Earlier, Trump called North Korea's offer to freeze testing and close its only known nuclear testing site "very good news" and "big progress", while South Korea said it signified "meaningful" progress that would create good conditions for successful summits with it and later with the United States. Kim is expected to meet Trump in late May or early June, the first meeting between sitting leaders of the two countries. US&nbspofficials say North Korea had in the past repeatedly reneged on denuclearisation agreements, the latest in 2012 when the North launched a long-range rocket after agreeing to a moratorium on missile testing. Cheong Seong-chang, senior research fellow at the Sejong Institute think-tank, said a firm commitment to denuclearise could not be expected before negotiations with the United States began. "Kim cannot give up everything at once. What is clear is that he is showing his earnest willingness to pave the way for smooth negotiations," Cheong said.

Trump says 'long way' to go on North Korea crisis

A US&nbsp;push to change the Iran nuclear deal was sending a "very dangerous message" that countries should never negotiate with Washington, Iran's foreign minister warned as US&nbsp;and North Korean leaders prepare to meet for denuclearisation talks.

Speaking to reporters in New York on Saturday, Mohammad Javad Zarif also said that for French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel "to try to appease the president (Donald Trump) would be an exercise in futility."

Trump will decide by May 12 whether to restore US&nbsp;economic sanctions on Tehran, which would be a severe blow to the 2015 pact between Iran and six major powers. He has pressured European allies to work with Washington to fix the deal.

Macron and Merkel are both due to meet with Trump in Washington this week.

"The United States has not only failed to implement its side (of the deal), but is even asking for more," said Zarif, who is in New York to attend a UN&nbsp;General Assembly meeting.

"That's a very dangerous message to send to people of Iran but also to the people of the world - that you should never come to an agreement with the United States because at the end of the day the operating principle of the United States is 'what's mine is mine, what's yours is negotiable,'" he said.

US&nbsp;Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said earlier this month that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has "looked at the Iran deal, he's seen what he can get and he's seen how he can push through loopholes and we're not going to let that happen again."

Under the Iran nuclear deal, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in return for relief from economic sanctions. Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, struck the pact to try to keep Iran from building a nuclear weapon but Trump believes it has "disastrous flaws."

Zarif said if Washington leaves the deal, there were many options being considered by Tehran, including complaining through a dispute mechanism set up by the agreement or simply leaving the deal by restarting its nuclear activities.

"We will make a decision based on our national security interests when the times comes. But whatever that decision will be, it won't be very pleasant to the United States," he said.

When asked if Iran could stay in the deal with the remaining parties, Zarif said: "I believe that's highly unlikely because it is important for Iran to received the benefits of the agreement and there was no way Iran would do a one-sided implementation of the agreement."

Iran has always said its nuclear program was only for peaceful purposes and Zarif said if Tehran resumed its nuclear activities it would not be intended "to get a bomb."

"America should never have feared Iran producing a nuclear bomb, but we will pursue vigorously our nuclear enrichment. If they want to fear anything its up to them," Zarif said.

Trump will decide by May 12 whether to restore US economic sanctions on Tehran

A US push to change the Iran nuclear deal was sending a "very dangerous message" that countries should never negotiate with Washington, Iran's foreign minister warned as US and North Korean leaders prepare to meet for denuclearisation talks. Speaking to reporters in New York on Saturday, Mohammad Javad Zarif also said that for French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel "to try to appease the president (Donald Trump) would be an exercise in futility." Trump will decide by May 12 whether to restore US economic sanctions on Tehran, which would be a severe blow to the 2015 pact between Iran and six major powers. He has pressured European allies to work with Washington to fix the deal. Macron and Merkel are both due to meet with Trump in Washington this week. "The United States has not only failed to implement its side (of the deal), but is even asking for more," said Zarif, who is in New York to attend a UN General Assembly meeting. "That's a very dangerous message to send to people of Iran but also to the people of the world - that you should never come to an agreement with the United States because at the end of the day the operating principle of the United States is 'what's mine is mine, what's yours is negotiable,'" he said. US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said earlier this month that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has "looked at the Iran deal, he's seen what he can get and he's seen how he can push through loopholes and we're not going to let that happen again." Under the Iran nuclear deal, Tehran agreed to curb its nuclear program in return for relief from economic sanctions. Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, struck the pact to try to keep Iran from building a nuclear weapon but Trump believes it has "disastrous flaws." Zarif said if Washington leaves the deal, there were many options being considered by Tehran, including complaining through a dispute mechanism set up by the agreement or simply leaving the deal by restarting its nuclear activities. "We will make a decision based on our national security interests when the times comes. But whatever that decision will be, it won't be very pleasant to the United States," he said. When asked if Iran could stay in the deal with the remaining parties, Zarif said: "I believe that's highly unlikely because it is important for Iran to received the benefits of the agreement and there was no way Iran would do a one-sided implementation of the agreement." Iran has always said its nuclear program was only for peaceful purposes and Zarif said if Tehran resumed its nuclear activities it would not be intended "to get a bomb." "America should never have feared Iran producing a nuclear bomb, but we will pursue vigorously our nuclear enrichment. If they want to fear anything its up to them," Zarif said.

As US, North Korea plan to meet, Iran warns against Trump deals

The United States labeled China, Russia, Iran and North Korea on Friday as "morally reprehensible" governments that it said violated human rights within their borders on a daily basis, making them "forces of instability".

In releasing the State Department's global human rights report for 2017, acting Secretary of State John Sullivan also singled out Syria, Myanmar, Turkey and Venezuela as nations with a poor human rights record. Improved human rights in Uzbekistan, Liberia and Mexico were global "bright spots," Sullivan added.

Michael Kozak, a senior State Department official who helped oversee the report, said he did not think policies by President Donald Trump's administration on freedom of the press, refugees, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights and other issues undermined the report or left the United States open to accusations of hypocrisy.

The governments of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea "violate the human rights of those within their borders on a daily basis and are forces of instability as a result," Sullivan said in a preface to the congressionally mandated report that documents human rights in nearly 200 countries and territories.

Countries like these that restrict freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, allow and commit violence against religious, ethnic and other minority groups or undermine the people's fundamental dignity "are morally reprehensible and undermine our interests," Sullivan added.

Sullivan said Russia's government "continues to quash dissent and civil society, even while it invades its neighbors and undermines the sovereignty of Western nations."

"We once again urge Russia to end its brutal occupation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, to halt the abuses perpetrated by Russian-led forces in Ukraine's Donbas region, and to address impunity for the human rights violations and abuses in the Republic of Chechnya," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the United States seeks to lead other nations by example in promoting just and effective governance based on the rule of law and respect for human rights.

He said the right of peaceful assembly and freedoms of association and expression are "under attack almost daily" in Iran, drawing criticism from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi.

The Iranian state news agency IRNA quoted Qasemi as saying the report was "completely biased and politically motivated, and presented a distorted and unrealistic image of the conditions in Iran".

'Quite a distinction'

Critics in the United States and globally have accused Trump of giving short shrift to human rights as a foreign policy issue, and of cozying up to authoritarian leaders in Russia, the Philippines and the Middle East. Trump also frequently attacks the US&nbspnews media.

"I think we make quite a distinction between political leaders being able to speak out and say, 'That story was not accurate,' or using even stronger words sometimes, and using state power to prevent the journalists from continuing to do their work," Kozak told reporters.

Kozak said the standards used in the report, which is among the most widely read US&nbspgovernment documents, tended to be derived from international treaties or American law.

"I think the report is very clear about the kinds of things that we consider to be inappropriate restrictions on freedom of the media ... using the legal system to go after members of the press, using physical force and so on. It doesn't go to the nature of discourse in a country," Kozak said.

The report's release comes at a time of increased tensions with China over trade and other matters.

It also coincides with deteriorating relations with Moscow over its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whom Washington accuses of using chemical weapons on his own people, and US&nbspaccusations of Russian meddling in the 2016 US&nbsppresidential election.

Sullivan accused China of spreading "the worst features of its authoritarian system" by restricting activists, civil society and freedom of expression.

"We are particularly concerned about the efforts of Chinese authorities to eliminate the religious, linguistic and cultural identities of Uighur Muslims and Tibetan Buddhists, as well as restrictions on the worship of Christians," Sullivan added.

Trump has agreed to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the coming months even as Washington increases pressure on Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons.

Sullivan said Kim oversees one of the most "repressive and abusive regimes in the world" and accused Pyongyang of "systematically" neglecting its own people to "underwrite and fund its illicit weapons program and child labor."

He also condemned what he called "ethnic cleaning" of Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar, and said those responsible for attacks against the Rohingya should be held accountable.

Acting Secretary of State John Sullivan also singled out Syria, Myanmar, Turkey and Venezuela as nations with a poor human rights record

The United States labeled China, Russia, Iran and North Korea on Friday as "morally reprehensible" governments that it said violated human rights within their borders on a daily basis, making them "forces of instability". In releasing the State Department's global human rights report for 2017, acting Secretary of State John Sullivan also singled out Syria, Myanmar, Turkey and Venezuela as nations with a poor human rights record. Improved human rights in Uzbekistan, Liberia and Mexico were global "bright spots," Sullivan added. Michael Kozak, a senior State Department official who helped oversee the report, said he did not think policies by President Donald Trump's administration on freedom of the press, refugees, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights and other issues undermined the report or left the United States open to accusations of hypocrisy. The governments of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea "violate the human rights of those within their borders on a daily basis and are forces of instability as a result," Sullivan said in a preface to the congressionally mandated report that documents human rights in nearly 200 countries and territories. Countries like these that restrict freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, allow and commit violence against religious, ethnic and other minority groups or undermine the people's fundamental dignity "are morally reprehensible and undermine our interests," Sullivan added. Sullivan said Russia's government "continues to quash dissent and civil society, even while it invades its neighbors and undermines the sovereignty of Western nations." "We once again urge Russia to end its brutal occupation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, to halt the abuses perpetrated by Russian-led forces in Ukraine's Donbas region, and to address impunity for the human rights violations and abuses in the Republic of Chechnya," Sullivan said. Sullivan said the United States seeks to lead other nations by example in promoting just and effective governance based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. He said the right of peaceful assembly and freedoms of association and expression are "under attack almost daily" in Iran, drawing criticism from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi. The Iranian state news agency IRNA quoted Qasemi as saying the report was "completely biased and politically motivated, and presented a distorted and unrealistic image of the conditions in Iran". 'Quite a distinction' Critics in the United States and globally have accused Trump of giving short shrift to human rights as a foreign policy issue, and of cozying up to authoritarian leaders in Russia, the Philippines and the Middle East. Trump also frequently attacks the US&nbspnews media. "I think we make quite a distinction between political leaders being able to speak out and say, 'That story was not accurate,' or using even stronger words sometimes, and using state power to prevent the journalists from continuing to do their work," Kozak told reporters. Kozak said the standards used in the report, which is among the most widely read US&nbspgovernment documents, tended to be derived from international treaties or American law. "I think the report is very clear about the kinds of things that we consider to be inappropriate restrictions on freedom of the media ... using the legal system to go after members of the press, using physical force and so on. It doesn't go to the nature of discourse in a country," Kozak said. The report's release comes at a time of increased tensions with China over trade and other matters. It also coincides with deteriorating relations with Moscow over its support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whom Washington accuses of using chemical weapons on his own people, and US&nbspaccusations of Russian meddling in the 2016 US&nbsppresidential election. Sullivan accused China of spreading "the worst features of its authoritarian system" by restricting activists, civil society and freedom of expression. "We are particularly concerned about the efforts of Chinese authorities to eliminate the religious, linguistic and cultural identities of Uighur Muslims and Tibetan Buddhists, as well as restrictions on the worship of Christians," Sullivan added. Trump has agreed to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the coming months even as Washington increases pressure on Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. Sullivan said Kim oversees one of the most "repressive and abusive regimes in the world" and accused Pyongyang of "systematically" neglecting its own people to "underwrite and fund its illicit weapons program and child labor." He also condemned what he called "ethnic cleaning" of Muslim Rohingya in Myanmar, and said those responsible for attacks against the Rohingya should be held accountable.

US calls China, Russia, Iran, North Korea 'morally reprehensible' on rights

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North Korea leader Kim Jong Un says his country will suspend nuclear, missile tests and abolish test site North Korea will suspend nuclear and missile tests effectively immediately and abolish a nuclear test site in a bid to pursue economic growth and peace on the Korean peninsula, the North`s state media said on Saturday, ahead of planned summits with South Korea and the United States. US recession ahead? Federal policymakers say not to worry As the gap between short- and long-term borrowing costs hovers near its lowest in more than 10 years, speculation has risen over whether the so-called yield curve is signalling that a recession could be around the corner. Not to worry, two influential Federal Reserve policymakers said on Friday. Walmart could buy controlling stake in Flipkart by next week Walmart Inc could seal a deal to buy a more than 51% stake in Indian online marketplace Flipkart as early as next week, two sources familiar with the matter said on Friday. US students walk out again to protest gun violence Demanding an end to gun violence and tougher restrictions on firearm sales, thousands of students again walked out of classes across the United States on Friday in hopes of putting pressure on politicians ahead of November's midterm elections. India's growth momentum must continue despite elections: IMF The International Monetary Fund has said it wants continued momentum in India's growth and structural reforms despite the election period.

News brief: Big stories of the day

North Korea's decision to close its nuclear test site and suspend missile tests is a "meaningful progress" for denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, South Korea's presidential office said on Saturday.&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said earlier the country no longer needed nuclear and missile tests and would close a nuclear test site.&nbsp;

"It will also contribute to creating a very positive environment for the success of the upcoming South-North summit and North-United States summit," a spokesman for the president's office, Yoon Young-chan, said in a statement.

&nbsp;

North Korea's decision to close its nuclear test site and suspend missile tests is a 'meaningful progress' for denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, South Korea's presidential office said on Saturday

North Korea's decision to close its nuclear test site and suspend missile tests is a "meaningful progress" for denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, South Korea's presidential office said on Saturday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said earlier the country no longer needed nuclear and missile tests and would close a nuclear test site. "It will also contribute to creating a very positive environment for the success of the upcoming South-North summit and North-United States summit," a spokesman for the president's office, Yoon Young-chan, said in a statement.

North Korea making meaningful progress towards denuclearization: South Korea

The US&nbspState Department on Friday labelled China, Russia, Iran and North Korea as "morally reprehensible" governments it said violated human rights within their borders on a daily basis, making them "forces of instability as a result."

In releasing the department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017, acting Secretary of State John Sullivan said the latest US&nbspNational Security Strategy recognised that corrupt and weak governance threatened global stability and US&nbspinterests.

"Some governments are unable to maintain security and meet the basic needs of their people, while others are simply unwilling," Sullivan said.

"States that restrict freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly that allow and commit violence against members of religious, ethnic, and other minority groups or that undermine the fundamental dignity of persons are morally reprehensible and undermine our interests," he said.

"The governments of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, for example, violate the human rights of those within their borders on a daily basis and are forces of instability as a result." 
Sullivan said the United States sought to lead other nations by example in promoting just and effective governance based on the rule of law and respect for human rights.

"The United States will continue to support those around the world struggling for human dignity and liberty," he said.

The US State Department on Friday labelled China, Russia, Iran and North Korea as 'morally reprehensible' governments it said violated human rights within their borders on a daily basis, making them 'forces of instability as a result.'

The US&nbspState Department on Friday labelled China, Russia, Iran and North Korea as "morally reprehensible" governments it said violated human rights within their borders on a daily basis, making them "forces of instability as a result." In releasing the department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2017, acting Secretary of State John Sullivan said the latest US&nbspNational Security Strategy recognised that corrupt and weak governance threatened global stability and US&nbspinterests. "Some governments are unable to maintain security and meet the basic needs of their people, while others are simply unwilling," Sullivan said. "States that restrict freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly that allow and commit violence against members of religious, ethnic, and other minority groups or that undermine the fundamental dignity of persons are morally reprehensible and undermine our interests," he said. "The governments of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, for example, violate the human rights of those within their borders on a daily basis and are forces of instability as a result." Sullivan said the United States sought to lead other nations by example in promoting just and effective governance based on the rule of law and respect for human rights. "The United States will continue to support those around the world struggling for human dignity and liberty," he said.

US labels China, Russia, Iran and North Korea 'morally reprehensible' over rights

North Korea will suspend nuclear and missile tests effectively immediately and abolish a nuclear test site in a bid to pursue economic growth and peace on the Korean peninsula, the North`s state media said on Saturday, ahead of planned summits with South Korea and the United States.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-meaningful-progress-towards-denuclearization-south-korea-131748">North Korea meaningful progress towards denuclearization says South Korea</a>

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests because it has completed its goal of developing nuclear weapons, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

“To guarantee suspension of nuclear tests in a transparent manner, the republic’s northern nuclear test site will be abolished," the KCNA said after Kim convened this year`s first plenary session of the Central Committee of the ruling Worker`s Party on Friday.

“The overall projects of the party and the country will be geared towards building of a socialist economy, and all our efforts will be made towards it,” the KCNA said.

North Korea also said it would engage in talks with the international community, paving the way for the summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in planned for next week and a meeting with US President Donald Trump in late May or early June.

<img alt="ani.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/news/ani.jpg" width="770" />

Trump on Friday welcomed the statement and said he looked forward to a summit with Kim.

"North Korea has agreed to suspend all Nuclear Tests and close up a major test site. This is very good news for North Korea and the World - big progress! Look forward to our Summit," Trump said on Twitter.

North Korea has defended its nuclear and missile programmes in the face of worldwide condemnation and sanctions as a necessary deterrent against perceived US hostility.&nbsp;

Tensions eased significantly after North Korea`s Kim called in a New Year`s speech for lower military tensions and improved ties with South Korea.&nbsp;

It sent a delegation to the Winter Olympics held in South Korea and agreed to meet with Moon and Trump to discuss denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

The ruling party`s plenary meeting on Friday was convened to discuss "policy issues of a new stage" to meet the demands of the current "important historic period," the KCNA said.

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests because it has completed its goal of developing nuclear weapons, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

North Korea will suspend nuclear and missile tests effectively immediately and abolish a nuclear test site in a bid to pursue economic growth and peace on the Korean peninsula, the North`s state media said on Saturday, ahead of planned summits with South Korea and the United States. Also read: North Korea meaningful progress towards denuclearization says South Korea North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests because it has completed its goal of developing nuclear weapons, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. “To guarantee suspension of nuclear tests in a transparent manner, the republic’s northern nuclear test site will be abolished," the KCNA said after Kim convened this year`s first plenary session of the Central Committee of the ruling Worker`s Party on Friday. “The overall projects of the party and the country will be geared towards building of a socialist economy, and all our efforts will be made towards it,” the KCNA said. North Korea also said it would engage in talks with the international community, paving the way for the summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in planned for next week and a meeting with US President Donald Trump in late May or early June. Trump on Friday welcomed the statement and said he looked forward to a summit with Kim. "North Korea has agreed to suspend all Nuclear Tests and close up a major test site. This is very good news for North Korea and the World - big progress! Look forward to our Summit," Trump said on Twitter. North Korea has defended its nuclear and missile programmes in the face of worldwide condemnation and sanctions as a necessary deterrent against perceived US hostility. Tensions eased significantly after North Korea`s Kim called in a New Year`s speech for lower military tensions and improved ties with South Korea. It sent a delegation to the Winter Olympics held in South Korea and agreed to meet with Moon and Trump to discuss denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. The ruling party`s plenary meeting on Friday was convened to discuss "policy issues of a new stage" to meet the demands of the current "important historic period," the KCNA said.

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un says his country will suspend nuclear, missile tests and abolish test site

North Korea's announcement of a halt in its nuclear and missile tests was met with scepticism by many South Koreans on Saturday, highlighting political risk for the South's president as he embarks on the latest push for peace on the peninsula.

North Korea will immediately suspend nuclear and missile tests and scrap its nuclear test site, instead pursuing economic growth and peace, the North's state media said.

But in South Korea, which is still technically in a state of war with its unpredictable, isolated neighbour, many ordinary people expressed scepticism about the sincerity of the announcement and stressed the need for caution.

"A declaration is just a declaration," student Kim Han-nuri, 23, told Reuters in downtown Seoul on a sunny spring morning.

"Unless there's a change in its dictatorial system, I don't think we can completely trust anything North Korea says as it isn't a normal country ... I don't believe we can build normal diplomatic relations and our safety can't be guaranteed."

South Koreans have lived for decades under the threat of war with their hostile and now nuclear-armed neighbour.

They've also seen several earlier pushes for reconciliation that raised hopes of peace only to end in a return to acrimony.

Polls suggest South Koreans have become increasingly indifferent to the threat of war, with bigger concerns being more mundane issues like jobs and the pressures that have accompanied South Korea’s rapid development since the 1950s.

Liberal politician Moon Jae-in won a presidential election last year, promising a moderate approach to North Korea with the aim of reviving a "sunshine policy" of engagement.

But no one anticipated the speed with which relations have improved since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a conciliatory New Year's address at the end of last year, following months of sharply rising tension over his weapons.

Back to square one?

Moon, who is preparing for a summit with Kim this month, remains popular but voters are suspicious of North Korea's intentions and some would certainly judge him harshly if he was seen to be rushing blindly into North Korea's embrace.

Yeo Young-ju, 44, said North Korea had developed nuclear bombs despite decades of efforts to engage it, and this time it should get no economic benefits until its promises were proven to be true.

"This will be the third inter-Korean summit. North Korea looked as if it would denuclearize during the two previous summits and then we were back to square one," Yeo said.

"We need to verify if they indeed get rid of their nuclear material," Yeo said.

Lee Jeong-hyoo, 72, said South Korea should learn from a history of broken promises.

"We must not be deceived," Lee said. "We have to watch this really carefully."

In Japan, which until recent months North Korea regularly threatened to destroy in a sea of fire, people were also doubtful.

"I can’t believe what the North has just announced," said IT worker Sayuri Nakata, 27, referring to North Korea's promise to give up its nuclear weapons tests.

"They’ll just probably just do them anyway."

South Koreans have lived for decades under the threat of war with their hostile and now nuclear-armed neighbour

North Korea's announcement of a halt in its nuclear and missile tests was met with scepticism by many South Koreans on Saturday, highlighting political risk for the South's president as he embarks on the latest push for peace on the peninsula. North Korea will immediately suspend nuclear and missile tests and scrap its nuclear test site, instead pursuing economic growth and peace, the North's state media said. But in South Korea, which is still technically in a state of war with its unpredictable, isolated neighbour, many ordinary people expressed scepticism about the sincerity of the announcement and stressed the need for caution. "A declaration is just a declaration," student Kim Han-nuri, 23, told Reuters in downtown Seoul on a sunny spring morning. "Unless there's a change in its dictatorial system, I don't think we can completely trust anything North Korea says as it isn't a normal country ... I don't believe we can build normal diplomatic relations and our safety can't be guaranteed." South Koreans have lived for decades under the threat of war with their hostile and now nuclear-armed neighbour. They've also seen several earlier pushes for reconciliation that raised hopes of peace only to end in a return to acrimony. Polls suggest South Koreans have become increasingly indifferent to the threat of war, with bigger concerns being more mundane issues like jobs and the pressures that have accompanied South Korea’s rapid development since the 1950s. Liberal politician Moon Jae-in won a presidential election last year, promising a moderate approach to North Korea with the aim of reviving a "sunshine policy" of engagement. But no one anticipated the speed with which relations have improved since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a conciliatory New Year's address at the end of last year, following months of sharply rising tension over his weapons. Back to square one? Moon, who is preparing for a summit with Kim this month, remains popular but voters are suspicious of North Korea's intentions and some would certainly judge him harshly if he was seen to be rushing blindly into North Korea's embrace. Yeo Young-ju, 44, said North Korea had developed nuclear bombs despite decades of efforts to engage it, and this time it should get no economic benefits until its promises were proven to be true. "This will be the third inter-Korean summit. North Korea looked as if it would denuclearize during the two previous summits and then we were back to square one," Yeo said. "We need to verify if they indeed get rid of their nuclear material," Yeo said. Lee Jeong-hyoo, 72, said South Korea should learn from a history of broken promises. "We must not be deceived," Lee said. "We have to watch this really carefully." In Japan, which until recent months North Korea regularly threatened to destroy in a sea of fire, people were also doubtful. "I can’t believe what the North has just announced," said IT worker Sayuri Nakata, 27, referring to North Korea's promise to give up its nuclear weapons tests. "They’ll just probably just do them anyway."

South Korean is sceptical of North Korea's 'nuclear' promises

Britain has welcomed North Korea's decision to cease nuclear tests calling it a positive step. The British government hoped that the move will translate into a sign of good faith.&nbsp;

"A long-term commitment from Kim Jung Un to halt all nuclear tests and ICBM launches would be a positive step. We hope this indicates an effort to negotiate in good faith," the British government said in a statement. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We remain committed to working with our international partners to bring about our goal of a complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, and to do so through peaceful means," the statement read.&nbsp;

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests because it has completed its goal of developing nuclear weapons, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

“To guarantee suspension of nuclear tests in a transparent manner, the republic’s northern nuclear test site will be abolished," the KCNA said after Kim convened this year`s first plenary session of the Central Committee of the ruling Worker`s Party on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Chinese government also welcomed its ally's move and hoped that the decision will ease tensions in the Korean peninsula.&nbsp;

"We hope that the DPRK will continue to achieve results in its economic development and improvement of people's living standards," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests

Britain has welcomed North Korea's decision to cease nuclear tests calling it a positive step. The British government hoped that the move will translate into a sign of good faith. "A long-term commitment from Kim Jung Un to halt all nuclear tests and ICBM launches would be a positive step. We hope this indicates an effort to negotiate in good faith," the British government said in a statement. "We remain committed to working with our international partners to bring about our goal of a complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, and to do so through peaceful means," the statement read. North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said his country no longer needed to conduct nuclear tests or intercontinental ballistic missile tests because it has completed its goal of developing nuclear weapons, state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. “To guarantee suspension of nuclear tests in a transparent manner, the republic’s northern nuclear test site will be abolished," the KCNA said after Kim convened this year`s first plenary session of the Central Committee of the ruling Worker`s Party on Friday. Meanwhile, the Chinese government also welcomed its ally's move and hoped that the decision will ease tensions in the Korean peninsula. "We hope that the DPRK will continue to achieve results in its economic development and improvement of people's living standards," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said. (With inputs from Reuters)

We hope this indicates an effort to negotiate in good faith: Britain on North Korea's nuclear move

China today welcomed its close ally North Korea's decision to discontinue nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches, saying it could ease tensions in the Korean peninsula.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un announced the decision at a plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) yesterday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.

The announcement came ahead of the North Korean leader's planned summit meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a statement that it would help ease the situation and promote the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula as well as a political settlement of the peninsula issue.

A nuclear-free peninsula and lasting peace in the region are in line with the common interests of the people on the peninsula and in the region, he said, adding that these are also the common expectation of the international community.

"We hope that the DPRK will continue to achieve results in its economic development and improvement of people's living standards," Lu said.

China supports the DPRK and the parties concerned to resolve their respective concerns through dialogue and consultation, so as to improve their relations, he said.

It is hoped that all parties concerned will meet each other halfway, take concrete actions and make due efforts to achieve lasting peace and common development in the region, Lu said.

"China will continue to play an active role in this regard," Lu said.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK, North Korea's official name) will discontinue nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic rocket test-fire from April 21, the North Korean news agency said.

The northern nuclear test ground of the DPRK will be dismantled to transparently guarantee the discontinuance of nuclear tests, it said.

The news agency quoted Kim as saying that the mission to build a nuclear force has been completed and now the strategic route for the WPK is to concentrate on economic construction.&nbsp;

The announcement came ahead of the North Korean leader's planned summit meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump

China today welcomed its close ally North Korea's decision to discontinue nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile launches, saying it could ease tensions in the Korean peninsula. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un announced the decision at a plenary meeting of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) yesterday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The announcement came ahead of the North Korean leader's planned summit meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a statement that it would help ease the situation and promote the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula as well as a political settlement of the peninsula issue. A nuclear-free peninsula and lasting peace in the region are in line with the common interests of the people on the peninsula and in the region, he said, adding that these are also the common expectation of the international community. "We hope that the DPRK will continue to achieve results in its economic development and improvement of people's living standards," Lu said. China supports the DPRK and the parties concerned to resolve their respective concerns through dialogue and consultation, so as to improve their relations, he said. It is hoped that all parties concerned will meet each other halfway, take concrete actions and make due efforts to achieve lasting peace and common development in the region, Lu said. "China will continue to play an active role in this regard," Lu said. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK, North Korea's official name) will discontinue nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic rocket test-fire from April 21, the North Korean news agency said. The northern nuclear test ground of the DPRK will be dismantled to transparently guarantee the discontinuance of nuclear tests, it said. The news agency quoted Kim as saying that the mission to build a nuclear force has been completed and now the strategic route for the WPK is to concentrate on economic construction.

China welcomes N Korea's decision to discontinue nuclear, missile tests 

Diplomatic foes North and South Korea installed a direct phone line between their leaders on Friday as they prepare for the first summit since 2007 - and the connection was great, the South's presidential office said.

South Korea's presidential Blue House and North Korea's State Affairs Commission tested the hotline for four minutes before South Korea's Moon Jae-in and North Korea's Kim Jong Un talk ahead of next week's summit, the office said.

"The call quality was very good and we felt like we got a call from our next-door neighbour," South Korea's director for the Government Situation Room, Youn Kun-young, told reporters.

Moon will now be able to pick up his office phone to talk to Kim, instead of communicating through a hotline at the Joint Security Area in the border village of Panmunjom.

The plan was unveiled by the South's National Security Adviser, Chung Eui-yong, after he met Kim last month in Pyongyang.

Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty and the North has been engaged in a standoff over its nuclear and missile programmes that it conducts in defiance of UN&nbsp;Security Council resolutions.

But tensions have eased in recent months, with the North taking part in the Winter Olympics in the South in February and an exchange of threats of war with the United States and other bellicose rhetoric evaporating.

Now North and South are meeting next week and Kim and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump are expected to hold their first-ever summit in May or June, with denuclearisation the topic of the day.

The idea of opening a hotline was hatched in June 2000 when then South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and the North's Kim Jong Il, the current leader's father, held the first inter-Korean summit.

The system reportedly features a telephone, a fax and a screen with Internet connection for a video chat. &nbsp;

Lim Dong-won, a key architect of the late liberal president's Sunshine policy of re-engagement with the North, said in his 2007 memoir that the phones played a critical role in resolving sensitive issues.

The communication channel was also used by Roh Moo-hyun, the successor to Kim Dae-jung, until the conservative Lee Myung-bak took over in 2008, Seoul officials said.

There was no communication at Panmunjom as the standoff deepened over Pyongyang's weapons programmes until the hotline was used for the first time in nearly two years in January.

During the lull, South Korean officials would sometimes use a bull horn to shout messages across the border.

South Korea's presidential Blue House and North Korea's State Affairs Commission tested the hotline for four minutes before South Korea's Moon Jae-in and North Korea's Kim Jong Un talk ahead of next week's summit

Diplomatic foes North and South Korea installed a direct phone line between their leaders on Friday as they prepare for the first summit since 2007 - and the connection was great, the South's presidential office said. South Korea's presidential Blue House and North Korea's State Affairs Commission tested the hotline for four minutes before South Korea's Moon Jae-in and North Korea's Kim Jong Un talk ahead of next week's summit, the office said. "The call quality was very good and we felt like we got a call from our next-door neighbour," South Korea's director for the Government Situation Room, Youn Kun-young, told reporters. Moon will now be able to pick up his office phone to talk to Kim, instead of communicating through a hotline at the Joint Security Area in the border village of Panmunjom. The plan was unveiled by the South's National Security Adviser, Chung Eui-yong, after he met Kim last month in Pyongyang. Impoverished North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty and the North has been engaged in a standoff over its nuclear and missile programmes that it conducts in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions. But tensions have eased in recent months, with the North taking part in the Winter Olympics in the South in February and an exchange of threats of war with the United States and other bellicose rhetoric evaporating. Now North and South are meeting next week and Kim and US President Donald Trump are expected to hold their first-ever summit in May or June, with denuclearisation the topic of the day. The idea of opening a hotline was hatched in June 2000 when then South Korean President Kim Dae-jung and the North's Kim Jong Il, the current leader's father, held the first inter-Korean summit. The system reportedly features a telephone, a fax and a screen with Internet connection for a video chat. Lim Dong-won, a key architect of the late liberal president's Sunshine policy of re-engagement with the North, said in his 2007 memoir that the phones played a critical role in resolving sensitive issues. The communication channel was also used by Roh Moo-hyun, the successor to Kim Dae-jung, until the conservative Lee Myung-bak took over in 2008, Seoul officials said. There was no communication at Panmunjom as the standoff deepened over Pyongyang's weapons programmes until the hotline was used for the first time in nearly two years in January. During the lull, South Korean officials would sometimes use a bull horn to shout messages across the border.

North and South Korea get neighbourly with direct hotline

North Korea has expressed its commitment to "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula and is not seeking conditions, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday, as the United States vowed to maintain "maximum pressure" on Pyongyang.

Moon said big-picture agreements about denuclearisation, establishing a peace regime and normalisation of relations between the two Koreas and the United States should not be difficult to reach through summits between the North and South, and between the North and the United States.

"I don't think denuclearisation has different meanings for South and North Korea. The North is expressing a will for a complete denuclearization," Moon said during a lunch with chief executives of Korean media companies.&nbsp;

"They have not attached any conditions that the US&nbsp;cannot accept, such as the withdrawal of American troops from South Korea. All they are talking about is the end of hostile policies against North Korea, followed by a guarantee of security."

North Korea has defended its nuclear and missile programmes, which it pursues in defiance of UN&nbsp;Security Council resolutions, as a necessary deterrent against perceived US&nbsp;hostility. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War.

North Korea has said over the years that it could consider giving up its nuclear arsenal if the United States removed its troops from South Korea and withdrew its so-called nuclear umbrella of deterrence from South Korea and Japan.

South Korea announced on Wednesday that it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement as it prepares for the North-South summit this month.&nbsp;

Reclusive North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty.&nbsp;

Moon said he saw the possibility of a peace agreement, or even international aid for the North's economy, if it denuclearises.&nbsp;

But he also said the inter-Korean summit had "a lot of constraints", in that the two Koreas could not make progress separate from the North Korea-United States summit, and could not reach an agreement that transcends international sanctions.

"So first, the South-North Korean summit must make a good beginning, and the dialogue between the two Koreas likely must continue after we see the results of the North Korea-United States summit," Moon said.

US&nbsp;CIA Director Mike Pompeo visited North Korea last week and met leader Kim Jong Un with whom he formed a "good relationship", US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, ahead of a summit planned for May or June.

Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the summit would be successful, but warned he would call it off if he did not think it would produce results.

Trump told a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that his campaign of "maximum pressure" on North Korea would continue until Pyongyang gave up its nuclear weapons.

"The United States remains committed to complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearsisation of North Korea," US&nbsp;Disarmament Ambassador Robert Wood told a news conference in Geneva on Thursday ahead of a two-week conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

"In terms of the pressure campaign, things we are very interested in are maintaining the pressure, meaning enforcing sanctions, ensuring that the North is not able to get access to funds that help further his nuclear and ballistic missile programmes."

China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing in Beijing that China supported ending the state of war on the Korean peninsula.

"China supports ending the war state on the peninsula at an early date," she said. "As a party involved in the peninsula issue, China is willing to play an active role."

Ahead of next week's summit, Seoul and Pyongyang will also complete the instalment of a telephone hotline between the two leaders on Friday, directly connecting the South's presidential Blue House and the North's State Affairs Commission, the South's presidential spokesman said.&nbsp;

Six top South Korean officials will accompany Moon to the summit, including his chief of staff, spy chief, national security adviser and unification, defence and foreign ministers, the spokesman said.

North Korea meanwhile will hold a plenary meeting of its ruling party's central committee on Friday, state media KCNA said on Thursday.&nbsp;

The meeting was convened to discuss and decide "policy issues of a new stage" to meet the demands of the current "important historic period", KCNA said.&nbsp;

Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the summit would be successful, but warned he would call it off if he did not think it would produce results

North Korea has expressed its commitment to "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula and is not seeking conditions, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday, as the United States vowed to maintain "maximum pressure" on Pyongyang. Moon said big-picture agreements about denuclearisation, establishing a peace regime and normalisation of relations between the two Koreas and the United States should not be difficult to reach through summits between the North and South, and between the North and the United States. "I don't think denuclearisation has different meanings for South and North Korea. The North is expressing a will for a complete denuclearization," Moon said during a lunch with chief executives of Korean media companies. "They have not attached any conditions that the US cannot accept, such as the withdrawal of American troops from South Korea. All they are talking about is the end of hostile policies against North Korea, followed by a guarantee of security." North Korea has defended its nuclear and missile programmes, which it pursues in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions, as a necessary deterrent against perceived US hostility. The United States stations 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea has said over the years that it could consider giving up its nuclear arsenal if the United States removed its troops from South Korea and withdrew its so-called nuclear umbrella of deterrence from South Korea and Japan. South Korea announced on Wednesday that it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement as it prepares for the North-South summit this month. Reclusive North Korea and the rich, democratic South are technically still at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. Moon said he saw the possibility of a peace agreement, or even international aid for the North's economy, if it denuclearises. But he also said the inter-Korean summit had "a lot of constraints", in that the two Koreas could not make progress separate from the North Korea-United States summit, and could not reach an agreement that transcends international sanctions. "So first, the South-North Korean summit must make a good beginning, and the dialogue between the two Koreas likely must continue after we see the results of the North Korea-United States summit," Moon said. US CIA Director Mike Pompeo visited North Korea last week and met leader Kim Jong Un with whom he formed a "good relationship", US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday, ahead of a summit planned for May or June. Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the summit would be successful, but warned he would call it off if he did not think it would produce results. Trump told a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that his campaign of "maximum pressure" on North Korea would continue until Pyongyang gave up its nuclear weapons. "The United States remains committed to complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearsisation of North Korea," US Disarmament Ambassador Robert Wood told a news conference in Geneva on Thursday ahead of a two-week conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. "In terms of the pressure campaign, things we are very interested in are maintaining the pressure, meaning enforcing sanctions, ensuring that the North is not able to get access to funds that help further his nuclear and ballistic missile programmes." China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a regular press briefing in Beijing that China supported ending the state of war on the Korean peninsula. "China supports ending the war state on the peninsula at an early date," she said. "As a party involved in the peninsula issue, China is willing to play an active role." Ahead of next week's summit, Seoul and Pyongyang will also complete the instalment of a telephone hotline between the two leaders on Friday, directly connecting the South's presidential Blue House and the North's State Affairs Commission, the South's presidential spokesman said. Six top South Korean officials will accompany Moon to the summit, including his chief of staff, spy chief, national security adviser and unification, defence and foreign ministers, the spokesman said. North Korea meanwhile will hold a plenary meeting of its ruling party's central committee on Friday, state media KCNA said on Thursday. The meeting was convened to discuss and decide "policy issues of a new stage" to meet the demands of the current "important historic period", KCNA said.

North Korea seeks 'complete denuclearisation', US vows continued pressure

U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to North Korea over the Easter weekend and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. officials said on Tuesday.

Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official ever known to have met with Kim and provided the strongest sign yet to Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader.

Pompeo's conversations fueled Trump’s belief that productive negotiations were possible with North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, but far from guaranteed, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip.

The visit, a second U.S. official said, was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks.&nbsp;

Pompeo, one of Trump's most trusted advisers, returned to report that it was worth continuing to pursue the possibility of a summit, but added that no site had been selected from lists of options, and consequently no logistical arrangements had been made so far, the second official said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity.

Trump said earlier on Tuesday the United States was engaged in direct talks at "extremely high levels" with North Korea to try to set up a summit between him and Kim.

He sowed some confusion by suggesting he had been speaking to Kim directly, but later clarified by saying: "Let's leave it a little bit short of the highest level."

Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders added: "The president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly.”

Asked about Pompeo, she said: “The administration does not comment on the CIA director’s travel.”

Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state this week he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting.

Pompeo said the aim of the summit would be “an agreement ... such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons” and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps.

Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official to visit North Korea since then-intelligence chief James Clapper in 2014.

The news came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe opened two days of talks at the president's Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida.

Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen.

Efforts to arrange the unprecedented meeting have helped ease tensions over Pyongyang's development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States. Kim has agreed to discuss denuclearization, according to U.S. and South Korean officials.

"I really believe there’s a lot of goodwill a lot of good things are happening," Trump told reporters.

"As I always say, we’ll see what happens, because ultimately it’s the end result that matters, not the fact that we’re thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting."

MEETING SITE?

Trump, who has exchanged bellicose threats with Kim in the past year, said U.S. officials were looking at five locations for a meeting. Asked if any of those were in the United States, Trump replied: "No."

A U.S. official said sites in Southeast Asia and Europe were among those under discussion. Kim has rarely left North Korea.

Speculation has centered on a range of sites including Pyongyang, the demilitarized zone between the Koreas, Stockholm, Geneva and Mongolia.

Talks between Trump and Abe are largely focused on the prospective summit as Japan seeks a U.S. commitment that any denuclearization deal with Kim will include not just long-range missiles but those that could be aimed at Japan.

Reflecting the closeness of their ties, the Trump-Abe meetings included a walk around the carefully manicured grounds of the beachfront club and dinner on the patio with their wives. A round of golf was planned for Wednesday.

"For the North Korean issue, I’d like to underscore the importance of achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization, as well as the abandonment of missile programs of North Korea," Abe told Trump.

Abe also obtained an agreement from Trump to bring up the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, a highly emotive issue for the Japanese.

'IT'S POSSIBLE THINGS WON'T GO WELL'

Trump stressed that he and Abe were united.

"Japan and ourselves are locked, and we are very unified on the subject of North Korea," he said.

Trump said it was possible diplomatic efforts to arrange a Kim summit would fall short and if it did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on Pyongyang through sanctions.

"It’s possible things won’t go well and we won’t have the meetings and we’ll just continue to go on this very strong path we have taken," he said.

Trump also backed efforts between South Korea and the North aimed at ending a state of war that has existed between the two countries since 1953.

"People don’t realize the Korean War has not ended. It’s going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that," he said.

TRADE AGENDA

Trump and Abe could use a successful summit to give themselves a political boost at home. Trump has been hounded by controversies linked to an investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, and Abe is struggling with declining popularity because of scandals over suspected cronyism.

Trump has forged close ties with Abe during his 15 months in power and the two have bonded over rounds of golf during Abe's last visit to Florida more than a year ago and Trump's visit to Tokyo last November.

Japan fears Trump will try to link vital security matters with touchy trade topics. Tokyo is eager to avoid being pushed into talks on a two-way free trade agreement aimed not only at market access but at currency policies, something South Korea recently accepted when it renegotiated a trade deal with the United States.

Another irritant on trade is that Japan has not been given an exemption to tariffs on steel and aluminum exports to the United States, unlike the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

Pompeo travelled over the Easter weekend to discuss a planned summit with US President Donald Trump, who had said earlier that the US was talking to North Korea at 'extremely high levels'

U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to North Korea over the Easter weekend and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. officials said on Tuesday. Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official ever known to have met with Kim and provided the strongest sign yet to Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader. Pompeo's conversations fueled Trump’s belief that productive negotiations were possible with North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, but far from guaranteed, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip. The visit, a second U.S. official said, was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks. Pompeo, one of Trump's most trusted advisers, returned to report that it was worth continuing to pursue the possibility of a summit, but added that no site had been selected from lists of options, and consequently no logistical arrangements had been made so far, the second official said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity. Trump said earlier on Tuesday the United States was engaged in direct talks at "extremely high levels" with North Korea to try to set up a summit between him and Kim. He sowed some confusion by suggesting he had been speaking to Kim directly, but later clarified by saying: "Let's leave it a little bit short of the highest level." Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders added: "The president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly.” Asked about Pompeo, she said: “The administration does not comment on the CIA director’s travel.” Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state this week he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting. Pompeo said the aim of the summit would be “an agreement ... such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons” and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps. Pompeo's trip made him the most senior U.S. official to visit North Korea since then-intelligence chief James Clapper in 2014. The news came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe opened two days of talks at the president's Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen. Efforts to arrange the unprecedented meeting have helped ease tensions over Pyongyang's development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States. Kim has agreed to discuss denuclearization, according to U.S. and South Korean officials. "I really believe there’s a lot of goodwill a lot of good things are happening," Trump told reporters. "As I always say, we’ll see what happens, because ultimately it’s the end result that matters, not the fact that we’re thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting." MEETING SITE? Trump, who has exchanged bellicose threats with Kim in the past year, said U.S. officials were looking at five locations for a meeting. Asked if any of those were in the United States, Trump replied: "No." A U.S. official said sites in Southeast Asia and Europe were among those under discussion. Kim has rarely left North Korea. Speculation has centered on a range of sites including Pyongyang, the demilitarized zone between the Koreas, Stockholm, Geneva and Mongolia. Talks between Trump and Abe are largely focused on the prospective summit as Japan seeks a U.S. commitment that any denuclearization deal with Kim will include not just long-range missiles but those that could be aimed at Japan. Reflecting the closeness of their ties, the Trump-Abe meetings included a walk around the carefully manicured grounds of the beachfront club and dinner on the patio with their wives. A round of golf was planned for Wednesday. "For the North Korean issue, I’d like to underscore the importance of achieving the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization, as well as the abandonment of missile programs of North Korea," Abe told Trump. Abe also obtained an agreement from Trump to bring up the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea, a highly emotive issue for the Japanese. 'IT'S POSSIBLE THINGS WON'T GO WELL' Trump stressed that he and Abe were united. "Japan and ourselves are locked, and we are very unified on the subject of North Korea," he said. Trump said it was possible diplomatic efforts to arrange a Kim summit would fall short and if it did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on Pyongyang through sanctions. "It’s possible things won’t go well and we won’t have the meetings and we’ll just continue to go on this very strong path we have taken," he said. Trump also backed efforts between South Korea and the North aimed at ending a state of war that has existed between the two countries since 1953. "People don’t realize the Korean War has not ended. It’s going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that," he said. TRADE AGENDA Trump and Abe could use a successful summit to give themselves a political boost at home. Trump has been hounded by controversies linked to an investigation into alleged Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election, and Abe is struggling with declining popularity because of scandals over suspected cronyism. Trump has forged close ties with Abe during his 15 months in power and the two have bonded over rounds of golf during Abe's last visit to Florida more than a year ago and Trump's visit to Tokyo last November. Japan fears Trump will try to link vital security matters with touchy trade topics. Tokyo is eager to avoid being pushed into talks on a two-way free trade agreement aimed not only at market access but at currency policies, something South Korea recently accepted when it renegotiated a trade deal with the United States. Another irritant on trade is that Japan has not been given an exemption to tariffs on steel and aluminum exports to the United States, unlike the European Union, Canada and Mexico.

CIA chief made secret visit to North Korea and met Kim Jong-Un: US officials

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-talking-directly-with-north-korea-over-meeting-with-kim-trump-131078">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-talking-directly-with-north-korea-over-meeting-with-kim-trump-131078"> in direct talks with North Korea 'at a very high level': Trump</a>

President Donald Trump today said the US was in direct talks with North Korea "at a very high level" ahead of his planned summit with Kim Jong-un. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have not spoken directly, the White House said, but the US president confirmed that Washington and Pyongyang had been in contact at "very high levels" to prepare for a historic meeting between them.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-arrives-in-uk-for-commonwealth-heads-of-government-meeting-131093">Modi arrives in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-arrives-in-uk-for-commonwealth-heads-of-government-meeting-131093">UK</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-arrives-in-uk-for-commonwealth-heads-of-government-meeting-131093"> for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ten-killed-as-rainstorm-hits-bengal-rail-road-air-traffic-affected-131081">Ten killed as rainstorm hits Bengal rail, road, air traffic affected</a>

Ten people were killed and several others injured after strong winds of up to 98 km per hour hit Kolkata and its adjoining areas late on Tuesday night. Four died were reported in Kolkata, while 4 people in Howrah.One death was reported from Bankura and another from Hooghly.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/8000-starbucks-outlets-to-be-shut-in-us-on-may-29-for-racial-tolerance-training-131084">US: 8,000 Starbucks outlets to shut down for racial-tolerance training</a>

Starbucks Corp will close 8,000 company-owned US cafes for the afternoon on May 29 so 175,000 employees can undergo racial tolerance training in response to protests and calls for boycotts after the arrest of two black men waiting in a Philadelphia store.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/barbara-bush-wife-of-ex-president-of-us-george-h-w-bush-dead-at-92-131077">Barbara Bush, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/barbara-bush-wife-of-ex-president-of-us-george-h-w-bush-dead-at-92-131077">wife</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/barbara-bush-wife-of-ex-president-of-us-george-h-w-bush-dead-at-92-131077"> of ex-US President George HW Bush, dies at 92</a>

Barbara Bush, the wife of one former president and mother of another, died at the age of 92 on Tuesday. Bush was the wife of the 41st president, George H W Bush, and mother of the 43rd, George W Bush.

US in direct talks with North Korea 'at a very high level': Trump President Donald Trump today said the US was in direct talks with North Korea "at a very high level" ahead of his planned summit with Kim Jong-un. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have not spoken directly, the White House said, but the US president confirmed that Washington and Pyongyang had been in contact at "very high levels" to prepare for a historic meeting between them. Modi arrives in UK for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. Ten killed as rainstorm hits Bengal rail, road, air traffic affected Ten people were killed and several others injured after strong winds of up to 98 km per hour hit Kolkata and its adjoining areas late on Tuesday night. Four died were reported in Kolkata, while 4 people in Howrah.One death was reported from Bankura and another from Hooghly. US: 8,000 Starbucks outlets to shut down for racial-tolerance training Starbucks Corp will close 8,000 company-owned US cafes for the afternoon on May 29 so 175,000 employees can undergo racial tolerance training in response to protests and calls for boycotts after the arrest of two black men waiting in a Philadelphia store. Barbara Bush, wife of ex-US President George HW Bush, dies at 92 Barbara Bush, the wife of one former president and mother of another, died at the age of 92 on Tuesday. Bush was the wife of the 41st president, George H W Bush, and mother of the 43rd, George W Bush.

President Donald Trump today said the US was in direct talks with North Korea "at a very high level" ahead of his planned summit with Kim Jong-un.

Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have not spoken directly, the White House said, but the US president confirmed that Washington and Pyongyang had been in contact at "very high levels" to prepare for a historic meeting between them.

The Washington Post reported that CIA director Mike Pompeo had met Kim on a secret trip to the North over the first weekend of April, shortly after he was nominated to be secretary of state.

Both the White House and the CIA declined to comment on the report.

The two countries were looking at five potential venues for the summit, "but it is not in the United States", Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago where he was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

"We've also started talking to North Korea directly. We have had direct talks at very high levels -- extremely high levels -- with North Korea," Trump said before a restricted bilateral meeting with Abe.

"I really believe there's a lot of goodwill.&nbsp;A lot of good things are happening. We'll see what happens. As I always say, we'll see what happens. Because ultimately, it's the end result that counts, not the fact that we're thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting," he said.

Asked about the location of the potential venues, Trump confirmed that they were outside the US.&nbsp;China, North Korea, South Korea, and Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone between the two Koreas are seen as possible locations.

"We have not picked a site yet, but we've picked five sites where it's potentially going to be. We'll let you know fairly soon. Let's see what happens. We'll either have a very good meeting or we won't have a good meeting. Maybe we won't even have a meeting at all depending on what's going in," he said.

Panmunjom was the site of the signing of the 1953 armistice and will be the location of the April 27 summit between Kim and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in.

Officials from the two Koreas were to meet Wednesday in preparation, after Seoul's culture minister -- who sat next to Kim at a K-pop concert in Pyongyang earlier this month -- said Tuesday that Seoul "thinks that the inter-Korean summit should lead to the signing of a peace treaty".

The US president said irrespective of whether the meeting happens or not, there was mutual respect for each other between the two countries.

"I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong-un. And hopefully, that will be a success. Maybe it will be, and maybe it won't be. We don't know. But we will see what happens. But I can say this: They do respect us. We are respectful of them. We are going to see what happens," Trump said.&nbsp;In his remarks, Abe said prior to the small group discussion at the one-on-one session, the two leaders already had a very in-depth discussion focusing on the issue of North Korea and also the economic issues.

"On those two points, we actually successfully forged a mutual understanding. So, I'm very happy to see the outcome of our one-on-one discussion," he said. Abe said the planned meeting between South Korea and North Korea was made possible with the help of Trump who successfully pressured Pyongyang into softening its stance.

"Since the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games in South Korea, we have observed major change in terms of North Korea's behaviour. Background of this change is Donald's (Trump) unwavering conviction, as well as the determination that you demonstrated in addressing the issue of North Korea.&nbsp;So your stance made it possible to achieve this major change," he said.

"As a matter of fact, the US has the overwhelming military power in the world.? By using this strength, you have been effectively applying the overwhelming level of pressure against North Korea. And this, actually, successfully led to the outcome that we have already observed," Abe said.

The Japanese prime minister expressed hope that the US-North Korea summit meeting yield tangible progress toward resolving a wide range of issues, from nuclear issues, missile issues to the abductions issue.

"So this will be a historic meeting, and I certainly hope that there will be progress on these fronts," he said. Trump said he will bring up the abductees.&nbsp;

The US President also thanked the Chinese President Xi Jinping for playing a "constructive" role on the issue of North Korea.

"He's been incredibly generous.&nbsp;They have never been this way with the United States. I think they have more respect for us, perhaps our leadership, but for us than they've ever had before," he said.

"President Xi has been very strong on the border, much stronger than anyone thought they would be. I'd like them to be stronger on the border. But he has been at a level that nobody ever expected. The goods coming into North Korea have been cut down very substantially. As you know, 93 per cent of the goods coming into North Korea come through China, come through the border," Trump said.

'I really believe there's a lot of goodwill. A lot of good things are happening. We'll see what happens,' said Trump. He and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un are slated to meet soon

President Donald Trump today said the US was in direct talks with North Korea "at a very high level" ahead of his planned summit with Kim Jong-un. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un have not spoken directly, the White House said, but the US president confirmed that Washington and Pyongyang had been in contact at "very high levels" to prepare for a historic meeting between them. The Washington Post reported that CIA director Mike Pompeo had met Kim on a secret trip to the North over the first weekend of April, shortly after he was nominated to be secretary of state. Both the White House and the CIA declined to comment on the report. The two countries were looking at five potential venues for the summit, "but it is not in the United States", Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago where he was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "We've also started talking to North Korea directly. We have had direct talks at very high levels -- extremely high levels -- with North Korea," Trump said before a restricted bilateral meeting with Abe. "I really believe there's a lot of goodwill. A lot of good things are happening. We'll see what happens. As I always say, we'll see what happens. Because ultimately, it's the end result that counts, not the fact that we're thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting," he said. Asked about the location of the potential venues, Trump confirmed that they were outside the US. China, North Korea, South Korea, and Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone between the two Koreas are seen as possible locations. "We have not picked a site yet, but we've picked five sites where it's potentially going to be. We'll let you know fairly soon. Let's see what happens. We'll either have a very good meeting or we won't have a good meeting. Maybe we won't even have a meeting at all depending on what's going in," he said. Panmunjom was the site of the signing of the 1953 armistice and will be the location of the April 27 summit between Kim and South Korea's President Moon Jae-in. Officials from the two Koreas were to meet Wednesday in preparation, after Seoul's culture minister -- who sat next to Kim at a K-pop concert in Pyongyang earlier this month -- said Tuesday that Seoul "thinks that the inter-Korean summit should lead to the signing of a peace treaty". The US president said irrespective of whether the meeting happens or not, there was mutual respect for each other between the two countries. "I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong-un. And hopefully, that will be a success. Maybe it will be, and maybe it won't be. We don't know. But we will see what happens. But I can say this: They do respect us. We are respectful of them. We are going to see what happens," Trump said. In his remarks, Abe said prior to the small group discussion at the one-on-one session, the two leaders already had a very in-depth discussion focusing on the issue of North Korea and also the economic issues. "On those two points, we actually successfully forged a mutual understanding. So, I'm very happy to see the outcome of our one-on-one discussion," he said. Abe said the planned meeting between South Korea and North Korea was made possible with the help of Trump who successfully pressured Pyongyang into softening its stance. "Since the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games in South Korea, we have observed major change in terms of North Korea's behaviour. Background of this change is Donald's (Trump) unwavering conviction, as well as the determination that you demonstrated in addressing the issue of North Korea. So your stance made it possible to achieve this major change," he said. "As a matter of fact, the US has the overwhelming military power in the world.? By using this strength, you have been effectively applying the overwhelming level of pressure against North Korea. And this, actually, successfully led to the outcome that we have already observed," Abe said. The Japanese prime minister expressed hope that the US-North Korea summit meeting yield tangible progress toward resolving a wide range of issues, from nuclear issues, missile issues to the abductions issue. "So this will be a historic meeting, and I certainly hope that there will be progress on these fronts," he said. Trump said he will bring up the abductees. The US President also thanked the Chinese President Xi Jinping for playing a "constructive" role on the issue of North Korea. "He's been incredibly generous. They have never been this way with the United States. I think they have more respect for us, perhaps our leadership, but for us than they've ever had before," he said. "President Xi has been very strong on the border, much stronger than anyone thought they would be. I'd like them to be stronger on the border. But he has been at a level that nobody ever expected. The goods coming into North Korea have been cut down very substantially. As you know, 93 per cent of the goods coming into North Korea come through China, come through the border," Trump said.

US in direct talks with North Korea 'at a very high level': Trump

After reports emerged of CIA chief Mike Pompeo meeting top North Korean officials including Kim Jong Un, President Trump today confirmed the meeting.

In a tweet, the US president said: "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed."

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Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/986555533535731712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The meeting took place ahead of Trumps summit talks with Kim to be held in May.&nbsp;

Mike Pompeo's meeting with Kim's officials means it was the most senior level meeting to be held between North Korea and the US ahead of the much-publicised meeting to take place next month.

President Trump said details of the summit were being worked out.

"Denuclearization will be a great thing for the world, but also for North Korea," the Trump said in his tweet.

President Trump said details of the summit were being worked out.

After reports emerged of CIA chief Mike Pompeo meeting top North Korean officials including Kim Jong Un, President Trump today confirmed the meeting. In a tweet, the US president said: "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed." Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018 × The meeting took place ahead of Trumps summit talks with Kim to be held in May. Mike Pompeo's meeting with Kim's officials means it was the most senior level meeting to be held between North Korea and the US ahead of the much-publicised meeting to take place next month. President Trump said details of the summit were being worked out. "Denuclearization will be a great thing for the world, but also for North Korea," the Trump said in his tweet.

CIA chief Pompeo's meeting with Kim went smoothly, tweets Trump

South Korea said on Wednesday it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement, as U.S. officials confirmed an unprecedented top-level meeting with the North Korean leader.

U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo became the most senior U.S. official known to have met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when he visited Pyongyang at the end of March to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Pompeo's visit provided the strongest sign yet about Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader.

At the same time, old rivals North Korea and South Korea are preparing for their own summit, between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War a major factor in talks.

"As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean peninsula's armistice to a peace regime," a high-ranking South Korean presidential official told reporters when asked about the North-South summit.

"But that's not a matter than can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It requires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea," the official said.

South Korea and a U.S.-led U.N. force are technically still at war with North Korea after the Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. The U.S.-led United Nations Command, Chinese forces and North Korea signed the 1953 armistice, to which South Korea is not a party.

"I do not know if any joint statement to be reached at the inter-Korean summit would include wording about ending the war, but we certainly hope to be able to include an agreement to end hostile acts between the South and North," the official said.

Such discussions between the two Koreas, and between North Korea and the United States, would have been unthinkable at the end of last year, after months of escalating tension, and fear of war, over the North's nuclear and missile programmes.

But then Kim declared in a New Year's speech his country was "a peace-loving and responsible nuclear power" and called for lower military tension and improved ties with the South.

He also said he was considering sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, a visit that began a succession of steps to improve ties.

Pompeo's visit to the North was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks, a U.S. official said.

Pompeo flew from a U.S. air force base in Osan, south of Seoul, an official with the South's defence ministry said. The South's presidential office declined to comment on the trip.

Amid the diplomatic flurry, CNN reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping also planned to visit Pyongyang soon, after North Korean leader Kim made a surprise trip last month to China, its major sole ally.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she had no information about any Xi visit to North Korea.

"What I can stress is that China and North Korea have a tradition of high level mutual visits," she told reporters.

"China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with North Korea, deepen strategic communications, expand talks and cooperation, and to bring out the important leading role of high-level contact in China-North Korea relations."

Trump said on Tuesday he backed efforts between North and South Korea aimed at ending the state of war.

"People don't realise the Korean War has not ended," Trump told reporters.

"It's going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that."

Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen.

If the summit did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on North Korea through sanctions, he said.

Nevertheless, Pompeo's conversations in North Korea had fuelled Trump's belief that productive negotiations were possible, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip.

U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo became the most senior U.S. official known to have met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when he visited Pyongyang at the end of March to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump

South Korea said on Wednesday it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement, as U.S. officials confirmed an unprecedented top-level meeting with the North Korean leader. U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo became the most senior U.S. official known to have met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when he visited Pyongyang at the end of March to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Pompeo's visit provided the strongest sign yet about Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader. At the same time, old rivals North Korea and South Korea are preparing for their own summit, between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War a major factor in talks. "As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean peninsula's armistice to a peace regime," a high-ranking South Korean presidential official told reporters when asked about the North-South summit. "But that's not a matter than can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It requires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea," the official said. South Korea and a U.S.-led U.N. force are technically still at war with North Korea after the Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. The U.S.-led United Nations Command, Chinese forces and North Korea signed the 1953 armistice, to which South Korea is not a party. "I do not know if any joint statement to be reached at the inter-Korean summit would include wording about ending the war, but we certainly hope to be able to include an agreement to end hostile acts between the South and North," the official said. Such discussions between the two Koreas, and between North Korea and the United States, would have been unthinkable at the end of last year, after months of escalating tension, and fear of war, over the North's nuclear and missile programmes. But then Kim declared in a New Year's speech his country was "a peace-loving and responsible nuclear power" and called for lower military tension and improved ties with the South. He also said he was considering sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, a visit that began a succession of steps to improve ties. Pompeo's visit to the North was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks, a U.S. official said. Pompeo flew from a U.S. air force base in Osan, south of Seoul, an official with the South's defence ministry said. The South's presidential office declined to comment on the trip. Amid the diplomatic flurry, CNN reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping also planned to visit Pyongyang soon, after North Korean leader Kim made a surprise trip last month to China, its major sole ally. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she had no information about any Xi visit to North Korea. "What I can stress is that China and North Korea have a tradition of high level mutual visits," she told reporters. "China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with North Korea, deepen strategic communications, expand talks and cooperation, and to bring out the important leading role of high-level contact in China-North Korea relations." Trump said on Tuesday he backed efforts between North and South Korea aimed at ending the state of war. "People don't realise the Korean War has not ended," Trump told reporters. "It's going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that." Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen. If the summit did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on North Korea through sanctions, he said. Nevertheless, Pompeo's conversations in North Korea had fuelled Trump's belief that productive negotiations were possible, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip.

South Korea says discussing peace deal with North Korea ahead of summit

&nbsp;A South Korean actress who was once kidnapped by the North's agents on the orders of leader Kim Jong Un's late father and forced to make movies for the regime has died aged 91, her family said. 
 
Choi Eun-hee was the South's most famous actress for decades before being brazenly abducted by North Korean spies in Hong Kong in 1978 at the request of the North's then leader-in-waiting Kim Jong Il, an avid film fan. 
 
During her visit to Hong Kong to meet a potential investor in her art school, she was reportedly lured onto a boat by her guide before being transferred against her will to a cargo ship destined for North Korea.

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South Korean actress kidnapped by North Korea dies aged 91 <a href="https://t.co/5ZnzqnwtNb">https://t.co/5ZnzqnwtNb</a>
— Ankit Panda (@nktpnd) <a href="https://twitter.com/nktpnd/status/986050204297318401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">17 April 2018</a></blockquote>
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Her husband Shin Sang-ok, a top director, was taken to the North soon after, although circumstances over his alleged abduction remain unclear. Choi remained trapped in the North for eight years, where the two made more than 10 films together under the instruction of Kim Jong Il. 
 
In a 2011 interview, Choi said Kim "respected us as artists and fully supported us," but that she could never forgive him for the "outrageous and unforgivable" kidnapping. 
 
They were allowed to make "films with artistic values, instead of just propaganda films extolling the regime," Choi said, but always longed for their freedom. During their ordeal, the couple travelled overseas extensively for movie production missions and to attend film festivals -- always under heavy surveillance by the North's agents. 
 
Choi even won the best actress award at the Moscow International Film Festival in 1985 for her role in 'Salt' -- a film about Korean guerrillas fighting against the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule. The couple -- who had divorced in 1976, before their abductions -- remarried during a trip to Hungary at Kim's urging. 
 
But they finally staged a daring escape to the US embassy in Vienna after attending the Berlinale film festival in 1986 and sought asylum in the US due to fear for their personal security. The couple returned to the South in 1999 after spending more than a decade in the US. They remained married until Shin's death in 2006. 
 
Their dramatic life inspired several books and movies. Choi, who made her cinematic debut in 1942, had risen to stardom in the wake of the 1950-53 Korean War that sealed the division between the communist North and the capitalist South. 
 
She was called the "queen" of South Korean cinema from the 1950s to the 1970s while appearing in more than 100 movies -- many made by Shin. 
 
North Korea abducted hundreds of South Koreans under a state-sanctioned policy in the decades following the Korean War. Choi's funeral will be held in Seoul on Thursday.

Choi Eun-hee was kidnapped by the North's Korea agents on the orders of leader Kim Jong Un's late father and forced to make movies for the regime

A South Korean actress who was once kidnapped by the North's agents on the orders of leader Kim Jong Un's late father and forced to make movies for the regime has died aged 91, her family said. Choi Eun-hee was the South's most famous actress for decades before being brazenly abducted by North Korean spies in Hong Kong in 1978 at the request of the North's then leader-in-waiting Kim Jong Il, an avid film fan. During her visit to Hong Kong to meet a potential investor in her art school, she was reportedly lured onto a boat by her guide before being transferred against her will to a cargo ship destined for North Korea. South Korean actress kidnapped by North Korea dies aged 91 https://t.co/5ZnzqnwtNb — Ankit Panda (@nktpnd) 17 April 2018 × Her husband Shin Sang-ok, a top director, was taken to the North soon after, although circumstances over his alleged abduction remain unclear. Choi remained trapped in the North for eight years, where the two made more than 10 films together under the instruction of Kim Jong Il. In a 2011 interview, Choi said Kim "respected us as artists and fully supported us," but that she could never forgive him for the "outrageous and unforgivable" kidnapping. They were allowed to make "films with artistic values, instead of just propaganda films extolling the regime," Choi said, but always longed for their freedom. During their ordeal, the couple travelled overseas extensively for movie production missions and to attend film festivals -- always under heavy surveillance by the North's agents. Choi even won the best actress award at the Moscow International Film Festival in 1985 for her role in 'Salt' -- a film about Korean guerrillas fighting against the 1910-45 Japanese colonial rule. The couple -- who had divorced in 1976, before their abductions -- remarried during a trip to Hungary at Kim's urging. But they finally staged a daring escape to the US embassy in Vienna after attending the Berlinale film festival in 1986 and sought asylum in the US due to fear for their personal security. The couple returned to the South in 1999 after spending more than a decade in the US. They remained married until Shin's death in 2006. Their dramatic life inspired several books and movies. Choi, who made her cinematic debut in 1942, had risen to stardom in the wake of the 1950-53 Korean War that sealed the division between the communist North and the capitalist South. She was called the "queen" of South Korean cinema from the 1950s to the 1970s while appearing in more than 100 movies -- many made by Shin. North Korea abducted hundreds of South Koreans under a state-sanctioned policy in the decades following the Korean War. Choi's funeral will be held in Seoul on Thursday.

South Korean actress, once kidnapped to North Korea, dies at 91

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump praised China on Thursday for its help with North Korea and said meetings were being set up between him and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"They have really been a great help to us at the border with North Korea," Trump said of China. "They've been really terrific at helping us get to some kind of settlement.

"Meetings are being set up right now between myself and Kim Jong Un. I think it will be terrific. I think we'll go in with a lot of respect and we'll see what happens."

Trump also said that trade "negotiations" between Washington and Beijing were going well, conflicting with Chinese official statements on the dispute, which has fed fears on financial markets of an all-out trade war.

“We are getting along very well, think we're going to do some great things," Trump said, adding that getting rid of nuclear weapons was "very good for them, good for everybody."

Trump said on Monday he planned to meet Kim in May or early June and hoped the discussions would ultimately lead to an end of North Korea's nuclear weapons program, which Washington sees as its most pressing security threat.

CIA Director Mike Pompeo told his confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state that he was optimistic conditions could be set at that meeting for a diplomatic outcome to the crisis over North Korea's development of nuclear weapons capable of reaching the United States.

Pompeo brushed aside concerns that the administration's moves to modify a nuclear deal with Iran could make reaching an agreement with North Korea more difficult. He argued that Kim would be looking to his own interests, including his country's economy and the "sustainment of his regime," rather than other historical agreements.

Pompeo stressed that the aim of a Trump-Kim summit was to get North Korea to “step away.” Under questioning, he would not take any option off the table, including military ones.

At the same time, he said he was not advocating regime change for North Korea and had never done so.

Last year, North Korea accused Pompeo of favouring such a policy after the CIA director told a forum in July that it was important to separate the country's nuclear weapons from the "character who holds the control over them."

Last May, North Korea accused the CIA and South Korea's intelligence service of a failed plot to assassinate Kim at a military parade in Pyongyang.

At a separate congressional hearing, US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the aim was for a negotiated solution to the North Korean crisis.

"We're all cautiously optimistic that we may be on the right path for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," he told the House Armed Services Committee.

"Meetings are being set up right now between myself and Kim Jong Un. I think it will be terrific. I think we'll go in with a lot of respect and we'll see what happens," Trump said

US President Donald Trump praised China on Thursday for its help with North Korea and said meetings were being set up between him and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "They have really been a great help to us at the border with North Korea," Trump said of China. "They've been really terrific at helping us get to some kind of settlement. "Meetings are being set up right now between myself and Kim Jong Un. I think it will be terrific. I think we'll go in with a lot of respect and we'll see what happens." Trump also said that trade "negotiations" between Washington and Beijing were going well, conflicting with Chinese official statements on the dispute, which has fed fears on financial markets of an all-out trade war. “We are getting along very well, think we're going to do some great things," Trump said, adding that getting rid of nuclear weapons was "very good for them, good for everybody." Trump said on Monday he planned to meet Kim in May or early June and hoped the discussions would ultimately lead to an end of North Korea's nuclear weapons program, which Washington sees as its most pressing security threat. CIA Director Mike Pompeo told his confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state that he was optimistic conditions could be set at that meeting for a diplomatic outcome to the crisis over North Korea's development of nuclear weapons capable of reaching the United States. Pompeo brushed aside concerns that the administration's moves to modify a nuclear deal with Iran could make reaching an agreement with North Korea more difficult. He argued that Kim would be looking to his own interests, including his country's economy and the "sustainment of his regime," rather than other historical agreements. Pompeo stressed that the aim of a Trump-Kim summit was to get North Korea to “step away.” Under questioning, he would not take any option off the table, including military ones. At the same time, he said he was not advocating regime change for North Korea and had never done so. Last year, North Korea accused Pompeo of favouring such a policy after the CIA director told a forum in July that it was important to separate the country's nuclear weapons from the "character who holds the control over them." Last May, North Korea accused the CIA and South Korea's intelligence service of a failed plot to assassinate Kim at a military parade in Pyongyang. At a separate congressional hearing, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said the aim was for a negotiated solution to the North Korean crisis. "We're all cautiously optimistic that we may be on the right path for the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula," he told the House Armed Services Committee.

Trump says meetings being set up with North Korea's Kim

South Korea's national security adviser has flown to Washington to meet his newly appointed US counterpart John Bolton, an official said Thursday in Seoul, where concerns are growing over the American's hardline stance on the nuclear-armed North.

Chung Eui-yong, who personally delivered Kim's summit offer to Trump last month, returned to the US capital unannounced Wednesday as the two allies plan their upcoming summits with North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

Chung is due to meet Bolton on Thursday, the official at the South's presidential Blue House told reporters.&nbspHe added the meeting was a courtesy call aimed at "coordinating opinions ahead of the inter-Korean and US-North Korea summits".

The rare inter-Korean summit is scheduled to take place in just over two weeks, while the second meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim is expected as early as May.

The appointment this week of Bolton - a mustachioed former UN ambassador and strong defender of a US first strike option against North Korea -- has raised concerns in Seoul over the prospects of the diplomatic thaw on the Korean peninsula.

Bolton's stance on Pyongyang diverges sharply from the more dovish South Korean government, which had pushed hard for an early meeting with him, the South's Yonhap agency reported.&nbsp"Bolton does not even mention the possibility of a peace treaty with Pyongyang" which is sought by the South, said Koo Kab-woo, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.

"If Bolton intervenes in the current diplomatic process (with North Korea), the need for coordination becomes much bigger," Koo added.&nbspIn a growing rapprochement on the Korean peninsula kick-started by the South's Winter Olympics, Kim is set to meet the South's Moon Jae-in on April 27.

Trump has agreed to meet Kim to discuss denuclearisation as soon as next month, though no venue or specific date is agreed.&nbspThe South Korean embassy in Washington and the US State Department have agreed to set up a hotline in the build-up to the summits, Yonhap reported.

The South's presidential office is also set to launch a new situation room to monitor the preparations for its upcoming summit on a daily basis, it said Thursday.

The rare inter-Korean summit is scheduled to take place in just over two weeks, while the second meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim is expected as early as May.

South Korea's national security adviser has flown to Washington to meet his newly appointed US counterpart John Bolton, an official said Thursday in Seoul, where concerns are growing over the American's hardline stance on the nuclear-armed North. Chung Eui-yong, who personally delivered Kim's summit offer to Trump last month, returned to the US capital unannounced Wednesday as the two allies plan their upcoming summits with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Chung is due to meet Bolton on Thursday, the official at the South's presidential Blue House told reporters.&nbspHe added the meeting was a courtesy call aimed at "coordinating opinions ahead of the inter-Korean and US-North Korea summits". The rare inter-Korean summit is scheduled to take place in just over two weeks, while the second meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim is expected as early as May. The appointment this week of Bolton - a mustachioed former UN ambassador and strong defender of a US first strike option against North Korea -- has raised concerns in Seoul over the prospects of the diplomatic thaw on the Korean peninsula. Bolton's stance on Pyongyang diverges sharply from the more dovish South Korean government, which had pushed hard for an early meeting with him, the South's Yonhap agency reported. "Bolton does not even mention the possibility of a peace treaty with Pyongyang" which is sought by the South, said Koo Kab-woo, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. "If Bolton intervenes in the current diplomatic process (with North Korea), the need for coordination becomes much bigger," Koo added.&nbspIn a growing rapprochement on the Korean peninsula kick-started by the South's Winter Olympics, Kim is set to meet the South's Moon Jae-in on April 27. Trump has agreed to meet Kim to discuss denuclearisation as soon as next month, though no venue or specific date is agreed.&nbspThe South Korean embassy in Washington and the US State Department have agreed to set up a hotline in the build-up to the summits, Yonhap reported. The South's presidential office is also set to launch a new situation room to monitor the preparations for its upcoming summit on a daily basis, it said Thursday.

South Korean NSA flies to US to meet John Bolton over North Korea talks

Japan's foreign minister was in South Korea for a rare visit Wednesday, armed with a list of issues Tokyo wants to push onto the agenda of a looming summit between North and South Korea.

The first such visit in more than two years comes at a time of frenetic diplomatic activity in Northeast Asia, ahead of the North's planned summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump.&nbsp

North Korea's young leader Kim Jong Un met Chinese President Xi Jinping in his first overseas trip last month.

Japan has largely remained on the sidelines, with suggestions last month of the third summit between Kim and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe quickly petering out.

Instead, Tokyo has found itself forced to rely on the US and South Korea to tackle its concerns regarding the North, which last year test-fired several missiles that flew over Japan, sparking security concerns.

Tokyo's top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said "it is extremely important that Japan, the US, and South Korea share information and coordinate closely" ahead of the two summits.

Foreign minister Taro Kono will meet with his South Korean counterpart Kang Kyung-wha on Wednesday morning.&nbsp

As well as Pyongyang's "nuclear and missile issues", Kono has said he will try to ensure that "the abduction issue will be talked about in the North-South summit".

He was referring to Japanese citizens abducted by the North's agents in the 1970s and 80s in a bid to train spies in Japanese language and customs before overseas missions.

The North regularly excoriates Japan over its brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula.

But ties between the South and Japan have also remained sour for years due to the controversy over historical issues left unresolved -- including Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops during World War II.

Seoul has urged Tokyo to take legal and moral responsibility, while Japan says that the issue was resolved when the two nations reached a controversial deal in 2015 to offer compensations to the victims.&nbsp

Suga said Japan's foreign minister would seek to boost a "forward-looking" bilateral relationship despite the row.

Kim is set to meet Moon on April 27 for a third-ever summit between the two neighbours, and is expected to talk with Trump in May or early June.

Japan -- a key Asian ally of the US and host of 50,000 American troops -- had long supported Trump's hardline position to press Pyongyang to abandon its widely-condemned nuclear and missile weapons programmes.

But Trump's sudden decision to open dialogue with Kim reportedly stoked concerns over whether Japan was being ignored in the regional push to engage the unpredictable North.

The first such visit in more than two years comes at a time of frenetic diplomatic activity in Northeast Asia, ahead of the North's planned summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump

Japan's foreign minister was in South Korea for a rare visit Wednesday, armed with a list of issues Tokyo wants to push onto the agenda of a looming summit between North and South Korea. The first such visit in more than two years comes at a time of frenetic diplomatic activity in Northeast Asia, ahead of the North's planned summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump. North Korea's young leader Kim Jong Un met Chinese President Xi Jinping in his first overseas trip last month. Japan has largely remained on the sidelines, with suggestions last month of the third summit between Kim and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe quickly petering out. Instead, Tokyo has found itself forced to rely on the US and South Korea to tackle its concerns regarding the North, which last year test-fired several missiles that flew over Japan, sparking security concerns. Tokyo's top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said "it is extremely important that Japan, the US, and South Korea share information and coordinate closely" ahead of the two summits. Foreign minister Taro Kono will meet with his South Korean counterpart Kang Kyung-wha on Wednesday morning. As well as Pyongyang's "nuclear and missile issues", Kono has said he will try to ensure that "the abduction issue will be talked about in the North-South summit". He was referring to Japanese citizens abducted by the North's agents in the 1970s and 80s in a bid to train spies in Japanese language and customs before overseas missions. The North regularly excoriates Japan over its brutal 1910-45 colonial rule of the Korean peninsula. But ties between the South and Japan have also remained sour for years due to the controversy over historical issues left unresolved -- including Korean women forced into sexual slavery for Japanese troops during World War II. Seoul has urged Tokyo to take legal and moral responsibility, while Japan says that the issue was resolved when the two nations reached a controversial deal in 2015 to offer compensations to the victims. Suga said Japan's foreign minister would seek to boost a "forward-looking" bilateral relationship despite the row. Kim is set to meet Moon on April 27 for a third-ever summit between the two neighbours, and is expected to talk with Trump in May or early June. Japan -- a key Asian ally of the US and host of 50,000 American troops -- had long supported Trump's hardline position to press Pyongyang to abandon its widely-condemned nuclear and missile weapons programmes. But Trump's sudden decision to open dialogue with Kim reportedly stoked concerns over whether Japan was being ignored in the regional push to engage the unpredictable North.

Japan Finance Minister to voice North Korea concerns in rare Seoul visit

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un, for the first time, made a direct mention of&nbsp;the possible talks with the US over denuclearisation during a meeting on Monday ahead of a planned summit with Trump.&nbsp;

At the meeting of party officials on Monday, Kim delivered a report "on the development of the recent situation on the Korean peninsula", including the separate summit with South Korea to be held later this month.&nbsp;

The North Korean leader also talked about the "prospect of the DPRK-US dialogue” and “strategic and tactical issues to be maintained” by the party, “including the future policy of international relations and the orientation corresponding to them.”&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump on Monday announced that the meeting with Kim Jong-un will take place in May or early June and said the summit will be an "exciting thing for the world".

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The announcement came a day after Trump's administration revealed that North Korea has confirmed that it was willing to discuss denuclearisation with them.

"We have a meeting that is being set up with North Korea, so that will be very exciting, I think, for the world. I think it's going to be a very exciting thing for the world," The New York Times quoted Trump as saying.

Trump made this announcement when he was interacting with reporters at the beginning of a cabinet meeting at the White House.

There was no immediate word on the possible venue for the talks, which would be the first ever between a sitting US&nbsp;president and North Korean leader.

“The US has confirmed that Kim Jong Un is willing to discuss the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula‎,” said a second US&nbsp;official.

US and North Korean officials have held secret contacts recently in which Pyongyang directly confirmed its willingness to hold the unprecedented summit, the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The communications, still at a preliminary stage, have involved State Department officials talking to North Korea apparently through its United Nations mission, and intelligence officers from both sides using a separate backchannel, the official said.

Until now, the United States had relied mostly on ally South Korea’s assurance of Kim’s intentions. However, Pyongyang has never officially confirmed its offer of denuclearisation talks to the White House, which was delivered by a South Korean envoy. 
&nbsp;

The North Korean leader also talked about the 'prospect of the DPRK-US dialogue' and 'strategic and tactical issues to be maintained' by the party, 'including the future policy of international relations and the orientation corresponding to them'

North Korea leader Kim Jong-un, for the first time, made a direct mention of the possible talks with the US over denuclearisation during a meeting on Monday ahead of a planned summit with Trump. At the meeting of party officials on Monday, Kim delivered a report "on the development of the recent situation on the Korean peninsula", including the separate summit with South Korea to be held later this month. The North Korean leader also talked about the "prospect of the DPRK-US dialogue” and “strategic and tactical issues to be maintained” by the party, “including the future policy of international relations and the orientation corresponding to them.” United States President Donald Trump on Monday announced that the meeting with Kim Jong-un will take place in May or early June and said the summit will be an "exciting thing for the world". × The announcement came a day after Trump's administration revealed that North Korea has confirmed that it was willing to discuss denuclearisation with them. "We have a meeting that is being set up with North Korea, so that will be very exciting, I think, for the world. I think it's going to be a very exciting thing for the world," The New York Times quoted Trump as saying. Trump made this announcement when he was interacting with reporters at the beginning of a cabinet meeting at the White House. There was no immediate word on the possible venue for the talks, which would be the first ever between a sitting US president and North Korean leader. “The US has confirmed that Kim Jong Un is willing to discuss the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula‎,” said a second US official. US and North Korean officials have held secret contacts recently in which Pyongyang directly confirmed its willingness to hold the unprecedented summit, the official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity. The communications, still at a preliminary stage, have involved State Department officials talking to North Korea apparently through its United Nations mission, and intelligence officers from both sides using a separate backchannel, the official said. Until now, the United States had relied mostly on ally South Korea’s assurance of Kim’s intentions. However, Pyongyang has never officially confirmed its offer of denuclearisation talks to the White House, which was delivered by a South Korean envoy.

North Korea's Kim Jong-un addresses talks with US for the first time

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After Trump said Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay" over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/north-korea-confirms-talks-of-denuclearisation-with-us-official--129228">North Korea ready to talk on </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/north-korea-confirms-talks-of-denuclearisation-with-us-official--129228">denuclearisation</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/north-korea-confirms-talks-of-denuclearisation-with-us-official--129228"> with Trump during talks: US government</a>

North Korea has confirmed that they will hold talks on denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula when Kim Jong-un meets President Trump, US officials said on Saturday.

&nbsp;

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Telangana Tourism Department welcomed four women bikers who successfully completed 'Road to Mekong', a 16,992-km long road trip covering six Southeast Asian countries starting from Hyderabad.

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Indian women's table tennis team outplayed four-time defending champions Singapore 3-1 to clinch the gold medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Sunday.

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<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/narine-karthik-guide-kolkata-to-its-first-ipl-2018-victory-against-bangalore--129227">Narine, Karthik guide Kolkata to its first IPL 2018 victory against Bangalore</a>

Dinesh Karthik played an inning of a skipper to lead his side to victory against Bangalore at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

After Trump's warning, missiles hit Syrian military airport: Report After Trump said Assad's regime will have a "big price to pay" over the alleged use of chemical weapons in rebel-held town in Syria, the state media said missiles struck the military airport just hours the US president's warning. North Korea ready to talk on denuclearisation with Trump during talks: US government North Korea has confirmed that they will hold talks on denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula when Kim Jong-un meets President Trump, US officials said on Saturday. Women bikers complete 17,000km journey promoting Telangana culture in South Asia Telangana Tourism Department welcomed four women bikers who successfully completed 'Road to Mekong', a 16,992-km long road trip covering six Southeast Asian countries starting from Hyderabad. CWG 2018: Indian women's TT team grabs gold after historic victory against Singapore Indian women's table tennis team outplayed four-time defending champions Singapore 3-1 to clinch the gold medal at the 21st Commonwealth Games on Sunday. Narine, Karthik guide Kolkata to its first IPL 2018 victory against Bangalore Dinesh Karthik played an inning of a skipper to lead his side to victory against Bangalore at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

WION news brief: Top 5 news stories of the day

North Korea has confirmed that they will hold&nbsp;talks on&nbsp;denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula when Kim Jong-un meets President Trump, US officials said on Saturday.&nbsp;

"The US has confirmed that Kim Jong Un is willing to discuss the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula,"&nbsp;an administration official said.

This is the first time North Korea has officially confirmed that they will discuss this option after holding secret talks in which Pyongyang directly delivered the message of its willingness to hold the summit, the official told Reuters.&nbsp;

No venue for the talks between Trump and the North Korean leader has been set.

South Korean emissaries, in a visit to the White House last month, had presented Kim's invitation to meet with Trump, who quickly agreed.

Until now, Washington had relied on South Korea’s assurance of Kim’s intentions. South Korean envoys visited Washington last month to convey Kim’s invitation to meet.&nbsp;

It has to be noted here that ever since that announcement, Pyongyang has not made any statement about the potential summit. Even when Kim visited Beijing earlier this month, no mention about the same came up.

No venue for the talks between Trump and the North Korean leader has been set

North Korea has confirmed that they will hold talks on denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula when Kim Jong-un meets President Trump, US officials said on Saturday. "The US has confirmed that Kim Jong Un is willing to discuss the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula," an administration official said. This is the first time North Korea has officially confirmed that they will discuss this option after holding secret talks in which Pyongyang directly delivered the message of its willingness to hold the summit, the official told Reuters. No venue for the talks between Trump and the North Korean leader has been set. South Korean emissaries, in a visit to the White House last month, had presented Kim's invitation to meet with Trump, who quickly agreed. Until now, Washington had relied on South Korea’s assurance of Kim’s intentions. South Korean envoys visited Washington last month to convey Kim’s invitation to meet. It has to be noted here that ever since that announcement, Pyongyang has not made any statement about the potential summit. Even when Kim visited Beijing earlier this month, no mention about the same came up.

North Korea ready to talk on denuclearisation with Trump during talks: US government

"If you don't like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes," once said Mark Twain. This is as applicable to the political weather in the Korean Peninsula, which continues to live up to its billing as a theatre of the unexpected.

Barely had the surprise news of an inter-Korean summit, begun to sink-in that President Trump announced his willingness to meet Kim Jong-un (KJU) towards the end of May. If it materialises, and there is still an if, it would be a historic first.

As if that was not dramatic enough, Japanese media sighted a 21-coach green train with yellow stripes, from North Korea heading to the Chinese capital. As speculated, none other than a beaming Kim Jong-un emerged in Beijing, with wife in toe, for a first ever meeting with Xi Jinping on 26 March. An attempt to lift the veil is in order.

The international isolation of North Korea appeared near complete towards the end of last year. Sanctions had begun to bite and the American rhetoric was becoming shriller. With the dawn of 2018, came the unexpected offer of dialogue with Seoul and one thing led to another. The Korean leaders are to meet at the Peace Village on DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) on April 27. Hectic preparations are underway.

NSA Chung Eui-yong, who was the principal South Korean (ROK) envoy to Pyongyang rushed to Washington with a message from Kim Jong-un. He called on Trump on March 8, who agreed on the spot to meet Kim Jong-un, without any preconditions. Kim's message also included a promise to denuclearise. Addressing the media at the White House and knowing which buttons to press, Chung observed, "I explained to President Trump that his leadership and his maximum-pressure policy, together with international solidarity, brought us to this juncture."

Meanwhile, Trump has been busy inducting like-minded hardliners into his team. CIA Director Mike Pompeo, a hawk, is to be the new Secretary of State. The 69-year-old John Bolton, a super-hawk, has been pulled out of retirement to become the new NSA.

Earlier on March 19, Bolton, who has been a votary of regime change in North Korea had stated, "We should insist that if this meeting is going to take place, it will be similar to discussions we had with Libya 13 or 14 years ago: how to pack up their nuclear weapons program and take it to Oak Ridge, Tennessee... . If they're not prepared to have that kind of serious discussion, it could actually be a very short meeting." (Reported by Reuters on March 23). Even though he was publicly staking out a maximalist position, the Libyan example and fate of Gaddafi, is Kim Jong-un's darkest nightmare, and does not portend well for any meaningful forward movement.

For a few weeks it appeared that Seoul was calling the shots in fostering a thaw in the Korean Peninsula. Her diplomats were clocking up thousands of air-miles in briefing key world leaders including Putin, Xi and Abe. Japan was uncomfortable but could do little except to advise caution and keep in touch with Washington. Abe is travelling to the US to meet Trump on 17-18 April. China, North Korea's sole, even if somewhat estranged benefactor, refused to be side-lined and decided to get into the act. An invitation for an unofficial meeting was extended by President Xi to Kim Jong-un and grabbed with alacrity.

Both sides stood to gain. China underscored its leverage over the North and signalled that a solution to the North Korea imbroglio could only be found with its blessings. Beijing effectively claimed a spot for itself at the negotiating table and became a frontrunner to host the Trump-Kim summit. Paranoid about his security and convinced that the US is out to get him, Kim Jong-un is highly unlikely to travel to the US or a western capital for the meeting. His preference would be Pyongyang or the Peace Village, which would not be acceptable to the US. The sides, even if reluctantly, could settle for Beijing.

Setting his grievances aside, Xi Jinping accorded all state-honours to Kim, who had left North Korea for the first time since coming to power in 2011. The charm offensive worked. For Kim, friendless and isolated, the invite came as a Godsent. It improved his bargaining position in one go, knowing that China, which was loath to see an increased US role in the Korean Peninsula, was being supportive.

"The issue of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula can be resolved, if South Korea and the United States respond to our efforts with goodwill, create an atmosphere of peace and stability while taking progressive and synchronous measures for the realisation of peace," (emphasis added) Kim stated in Beijing. He expectedly introduced caveats which may be difficult for Trump to accept, who wants to frontload the agreement with obligations on North Korea's part to dismantle its Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) programme, before easing sanctions. Thus, the stage is being set for bruising and gruelling negotiations.

All these developments augur well for a constructive inter-Korean summit, for only that can pave the way for a Trump-Kim meet.

(Vishnu Prakash has been Ambassador of India to Republic of Korea and Indian High Commissioner to Canada. He is spokesperson of Foreign Office & Consul General to Shanghai, a columnist/analyst on foreign affairs)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The international isolation of North Korea appeared near complete towards the end of last year.

"If you don't like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes," once said Mark Twain. This is as applicable to the political weather in the Korean Peninsula, which continues to live up to its billing as a theatre of the unexpected. Barely had the surprise news of an inter-Korean summit, begun to sink-in that President Trump announced his willingness to meet Kim Jong-un (KJU) towards the end of May. If it materialises, and there is still an if, it would be a historic first. As if that was not dramatic enough, Japanese media sighted a 21-coach green train with yellow stripes, from North Korea heading to the Chinese capital. As speculated, none other than a beaming Kim Jong-un emerged in Beijing, with wife in toe, for a first ever meeting with Xi Jinping on 26 March. An attempt to lift the veil is in order. The international isolation of North Korea appeared near complete towards the end of last year. Sanctions had begun to bite and the American rhetoric was becoming shriller. With the dawn of 2018, came the unexpected offer of dialogue with Seoul and one thing led to another. The Korean leaders are to meet at the Peace Village on DMZ (Demilitarised Zone) on April 27. Hectic preparations are underway. NSA Chung Eui-yong, who was the principal South Korean (ROK) envoy to Pyongyang rushed to Washington with a message from Kim Jong-un. He called on Trump on March 8, who agreed on the spot to meet Kim Jong-un, without any preconditions. Kim's message also included a promise to denuclearise. Addressing the media at the White House and knowing which buttons to press, Chung observed, "I explained to President Trump that his leadership and his maximum-pressure policy, together with international solidarity, brought us to this juncture." Meanwhile, Trump has been busy inducting like-minded hardliners into his team. CIA Director Mike Pompeo, a hawk, is to be the new Secretary of State. The 69-year-old John Bolton, a super-hawk, has been pulled out of retirement to become the new NSA. Earlier on March 19, Bolton, who has been a votary of regime change in North Korea had stated, "We should insist that if this meeting is going to take place, it will be similar to discussions we had with Libya 13 or 14 years ago: how to pack up their nuclear weapons program and take it to Oak Ridge, Tennessee... . If they're not prepared to have that kind of serious discussion, it could actually be a very short meeting." (Reported by Reuters on March 23). Even though he was publicly staking out a maximalist position, the Libyan example and fate of Gaddafi, is Kim Jong-un's darkest nightmare, and does not portend well for any meaningful forward movement. For a few weeks it appeared that Seoul was calling the shots in fostering a thaw in the Korean Peninsula. Her diplomats were clocking up thousands of air-miles in briefing key world leaders including Putin, Xi and Abe. Japan was uncomfortable but could do little except to advise caution and keep in touch with Washington. Abe is travelling to the US to meet Trump on 17-18 April. China, North Korea's sole, even if somewhat estranged benefactor, refused to be side-lined and decided to get into the act. An invitation for an unofficial meeting was extended by President Xi to Kim Jong-un and grabbed with alacrity. Both sides stood to gain. China underscored its leverage over the North and signalled that a solution to the North Korea imbroglio could only be found with its blessings. Beijing effectively claimed a spot for itself at the negotiating table and became a frontrunner to host the Trump-Kim summit. Paranoid about his security and convinced that the US is out to get him, Kim Jong-un is highly unlikely to travel to the US or a western capital for the meeting. His preference would be Pyongyang or the Peace Village, which would not be acceptable to the US. The sides, even if reluctantly, could settle for Beijing. Setting his grievances aside, Xi Jinping accorded all state-honours to Kim, who had left North Korea for the first time since coming to power in 2011. The charm offensive worked. For Kim, friendless and isolated, the invite came as a Godsent. It improved his bargaining position in one go, knowing that China, which was loath to see an increased US role in the Korean Peninsula, was being supportive. "The issue of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula can be resolved, if South Korea and the United States respond to our efforts with goodwill, create an atmosphere of peace and stability while taking progressive and synchronous measures for the realisation of peace," (emphasis added) Kim stated in Beijing. He expectedly introduced caveats which may be difficult for Trump to accept, who wants to frontload the agreement with obligations on North Korea's part to dismantle its Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) programme, before easing sanctions. Thus, the stage is being set for bruising and gruelling negotiations. All these developments augur well for a constructive inter-Korean summit, for only that can pave the way for a Trump-Kim meet. (Vishnu Prakash has been Ambassador of India to Republic of Korea and Indian High Commissioner to Canada. He is spokesperson of Foreign Office & Consul General to Shanghai, a columnist/analyst on foreign affairs) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Expect the unexpected in the Korean theatre

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