North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un has met Olympics chief Thomas Bach in Pyongyang, thanking him for helping to bring about a "dramatic thawing" of tensions on the Korean peninsula, the country's state media said Saturday.

Last month's Winter Olympics in South Korea triggered a fast-moving rapprochement that will see Kim sit down with the South's President Moon Jae-in in late April - with a US summit with President Donald Trump planned for May.

Bach arrived in the country on Thursday and his visit, which concluded Saturday, was the result of an invitation extended by Pyongyang in January.

The isolated, nuclear-armed regime rarely hosts foreign dignitaries but recent weeks have seen a flurry of diplomacy, with Kim making his first foreign trip as leader to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and inviting him to visit Pyongyang.

Kim told Bach that the Olympics -- which saw competitors from the two Koreas march together at the opening ceremony and field a joint women's ice hockey team -- "opened a new chapter of concord between the north and the south", the official KCNA news agency said.

"He said that the once frozen north-south relations greeted a dramatic thawing season with the Olympics as a momentum and it was totally attributable to the efforts of the IOC which offered an opportunity and paved a path for it," KCNA reported.

The two men held discussions about the development of sport in the North and attended a women`s football match.&nbsp

North and South Korea plan to hold a summit on April 27.

Trump is then due to meet Kim before the end of May for talks on Pyongyang`s denuclearisation.

Bach has hailed the reconciliatory mood, saying previously that the Olympic spirit "brought two sides together" and the two neighbours sent a "powerful message of peace" to the world.

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Last month's Winter Olympics in South Korea triggered a fast-moving rapprochement that will see Kim sit down with the South's President Moon Jae-in in late April - with a US summit with President Donald Trump planned for May

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un has met Olympics chief Thomas Bach in Pyongyang, thanking him for helping to bring about a "dramatic thawing" of tensions on the Korean peninsula, the country's state media said Saturday. Last month's Winter Olympics in South Korea triggered a fast-moving rapprochement that will see Kim sit down with the South's President Moon Jae-in in late April - with a US summit with President Donald Trump planned for May. Bach arrived in the country on Thursday and his visit, which concluded Saturday, was the result of an invitation extended by Pyongyang in January. The isolated, nuclear-armed regime rarely hosts foreign dignitaries but recent weeks have seen a flurry of diplomacy, with Kim making his first foreign trip as leader to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and inviting him to visit Pyongyang. Kim told Bach that the Olympics -- which saw competitors from the two Koreas march together at the opening ceremony and field a joint women's ice hockey team -- "opened a new chapter of concord between the north and the south", the official KCNA news agency said. "He said that the once frozen north-south relations greeted a dramatic thawing season with the Olympics as a momentum and it was totally attributable to the efforts of the IOC which offered an opportunity and paved a path for it," KCNA reported. The two men held discussions about the development of sport in the North and attended a women`s football match. North and South Korea plan to hold a summit on April 27. Trump is then due to meet Kim before the end of May for talks on Pyongyang`s denuclearisation. Bach has hailed the reconciliatory mood, saying previously that the Olympic spirit "brought two sides together" and the two neighbours sent a "powerful message of peace" to the world.

North Korea's Kim meets IOC chief in Pyongyang

North Korea's national soccer team coach Jorn Andersen on Saturday said he accomplished all of his goals as manager but economic hardships have made it impossible for him to stay on in the country.

The Norwegian, whose contract expires today, was appointed in May 2016 and took charge of his last game on Tuesday when he steered his team to a victory over Hong Kong that booked their spot in next year's Asian Cup finals.

"I don`t want to stay. It was interesting and I learned a lot and experienced many things, but the economic situation is not so good so it`s not possible to stay,' he said.

"After two years I want to take the next step and hopefully stay in Asia," he added.&nbsp

The U.N. Security Council has unanimously boosted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke off funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products.

The sanctions have had a major impact, with the North's sporting organisations also affected.

In December, Andersen led his team to the finals of the East Asian Championships in Japan but organisers said they were unable to award any prize money to the North Koreans due to economic sanctions.

Andersen's team finished fourth in the men's competition and North Korea's women won their tournament, only for the national association to miss out on a $70,000 payday.

Despite the issues, Andersen said he improved the fortunes of the squad during his stay in Pyongyang.

"The team now is stronger and we have seen that in the last game here and in Japan against the strongest teams at the end of last year," he said.

"When I came here I was given two targets, to qualify for the East Asian Championships in Japan last year and after that to qualify for the Asian Cup.

"There was also a third, which was to change the playing style of the team. When I came here they only played long balls and running and fighting without tactics.

"Now we are playing football, we are advancing and tactically we are good. That is for me the most important point."

After his two-year stint in Asia, the former Mainz and Karlsruher coach is returning to Germany but says he would be keen to return to the region to work in the future. 
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Jorn said he accomplished all of his goals as manager

North Korea's national soccer team coach Jorn Andersen on Saturday said he accomplished all of his goals as manager but economic hardships have made it impossible for him to stay on in the country. The Norwegian, whose contract expires today, was appointed in May 2016 and took charge of his last game on Tuesday when he steered his team to a victory over Hong Kong that booked their spot in next year's Asian Cup finals. "I don`t want to stay. It was interesting and I learned a lot and experienced many things, but the economic situation is not so good so it`s not possible to stay,' he said. "After two years I want to take the next step and hopefully stay in Asia," he added. The U.N. Security Council has unanimously boosted sanctions on North Korea since 2006 in a bid to choke off funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, banning exports including coal, iron, lead, textiles and seafood, and capping imports of crude oil and refined petroleum products. The sanctions have had a major impact, with the North's sporting organisations also affected. In December, Andersen led his team to the finals of the East Asian Championships in Japan but organisers said they were unable to award any prize money to the North Koreans due to economic sanctions. Andersen's team finished fourth in the men's competition and North Korea's women won their tournament, only for the national association to miss out on a $70,000 payday. Despite the issues, Andersen said he improved the fortunes of the squad during his stay in Pyongyang. "The team now is stronger and we have seen that in the last game here and in Japan against the strongest teams at the end of last year," he said. "When I came here I was given two targets, to qualify for the East Asian Championships in Japan last year and after that to qualify for the Asian Cup. "There was also a third, which was to change the playing style of the team. When I came here they only played long balls and running and fighting without tactics. "Now we are playing football, we are advancing and tactically we are good. That is for me the most important point." After his two-year stint in Asia, the former Mainz and Karlsruher coach is returning to Germany but says he would be keen to return to the region to work in the future.

North Korea coach Jorn Andersen departs as economic sanctions bite

North and South Korea will hold their first summit in more than a decade on April 27, South Korean officials said on Thursday, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged his commitment to denuclearisation as tensions ease between the old foes.

South Korean government officials announced the date of the summit after holding high-level talks with their North Korean counterparts on Thursday.

The two Koreas had agreed earlier this month to hold such a summit at the border truce village of Panmunjom when South Korean President Moon Jae-in sent a delegation to Pyongyang to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Thursday's talks were the first between the two Koreas since the delegation returned from the North.

A South Korean unification ministry official told reporters the two Koreas would hold a working-level meeting on April 4 to discuss details for the summit, such as staffing support, security and news releases.

North and South Korea have experienced a significant easing in tensions since the Winter Olympics in the South in February. They are technically still at war after the 1950-53 conflict ended with a ceasefire, not a truce.

Kim is also scheduled to meet US&nbspPresident Donald Trump some time in May to discuss denuclearisation, although a time and place have not been set for that summit.

Kim met Chinese President Xi Jinping in a surprise visit to Beijing this week, his first trip outside the isolated North since he came to power in 2011.

Even more surprising was Kim's pledge to denuclearise the Korean summit. That commitment was reported by Chinese state media, although North Korea's official media made no mention of it, or Kim's anticipated meeting with Trump.

Trump and Kim had exchanged threats and insults in recent months. The US&nbspleader made the equally surprising announcement earlier this month that he was prepared to meet Kim to discuss the crisis over Pyongyang's development of nuclear weapons capable of hitting the Unite States.

The North Korean leader's engagement with the international community has sparked speculation that he may try to meet other leaders. Japan's Asahi newspaper said on Thursday Japan had sounded out the North Korean government about a bilateral summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping promised Beijing would uphold its friendship with North Korea after his meeting with Kim.

Trump wrote on Twitter he had received a message from Xi on Tuesday night that his meeting with Kim "went very well" and that Kim looked forward to meeting the US&nbsppresident.

This will be their first summit in over a decade. The two countries are still technically at war

North and South Korea will hold their first summit in more than a decade on April 27, South Korean officials said on Thursday, after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged his commitment to denuclearisation as tensions ease between the old foes. South Korean government officials announced the date of the summit after holding high-level talks with their North Korean counterparts on Thursday. The two Koreas had agreed earlier this month to hold such a summit at the border truce village of Panmunjom when South Korean President Moon Jae-in sent a delegation to Pyongyang to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Thursday's talks were the first between the two Koreas since the delegation returned from the North. A South Korean unification ministry official told reporters the two Koreas would hold a working-level meeting on April 4 to discuss details for the summit, such as staffing support, security and news releases. North and South Korea have experienced a significant easing in tensions since the Winter Olympics in the South in February. They are technically still at war after the 1950-53 conflict ended with a ceasefire, not a truce. Kim is also scheduled to meet US&nbspPresident Donald Trump some time in May to discuss denuclearisation, although a time and place have not been set for that summit. Kim met Chinese President Xi Jinping in a surprise visit to Beijing this week, his first trip outside the isolated North since he came to power in 2011. Even more surprising was Kim's pledge to denuclearise the Korean summit. That commitment was reported by Chinese state media, although North Korea's official media made no mention of it, or Kim's anticipated meeting with Trump. Trump and Kim had exchanged threats and insults in recent months. The US&nbspleader made the equally surprising announcement earlier this month that he was prepared to meet Kim to discuss the crisis over Pyongyang's development of nuclear weapons capable of hitting the Unite States. The North Korean leader's engagement with the international community has sparked speculation that he may try to meet other leaders. Japan's Asahi newspaper said on Thursday Japan had sounded out the North Korean government about a bilateral summit. Chinese President Xi Jinping promised Beijing would uphold its friendship with North Korea after his meeting with Kim. Trump wrote on Twitter he had received a message from Xi on Tuesday night that his meeting with Kim "went very well" and that Kim looked forward to meeting the US&nbsppresident.

North, South Korea to hold summit on April 27

Japan has sounded out the North Korean government about a bilateral summit, and Pyongyang has discussed the possibility of a leaders' meeting with Japan, Japan's Asahi newspaper said on Thursday.

The government of Kim Jong Un has informed leaders of North Korea's ruling Korean Workers Party of the possibility of a summit with Japan, the newspaper said, citing an unidentified North Korean source and briefing papers.

"The Japanese government has expressed a wish to host a leaders meeting, via the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan," or Chongryon, Pyongyang's de facto embassy in Japan, the Asahi quoted the North Korean briefing papers as saying.

The Japanese government said it had been in touch with the North but declined to offer specific comment on the report.

"We have been communicating with North Korea through various occasions and means such as a route via our embassy in Beijing, but I would like to refrain from going into specifics," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference.

A Chongryon spokesman in Tokyo declined to comment on the Asahi report.

A Japanese government source told Reuters in mid-March that Japan was considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kim to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago.

The Asahi said in an article from Seoul Kim's government had explained its bilateral diplomatic plans for South Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, in that order.

Kim met President Xi Jinping in China this week, his first trip abroad since taking over as North Korean leader in 2011. Summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are being planned for April and May, respectively.

The North Korean briefing papers cite the possibility of a Japan summit in early June, the Asahi said.

Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono left open the possibility that Abe might meet Kim at some point. Kono said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday Japan was closely watching preparations for the North-South Korean summit and the Trump-Kim meeting.

A Japanese ruling party lawmaker said the outlook for an Abe-Kim summit depended on how the earlier summits played out. "There are stages and barriers," he told Reuters. "In particular, there's no guarantee Trump-Kim talks will go well."

The Asahi quoted another unidentified source as saying North Korea's "dialogue partner on security issues is America" but that the country "can only hope for large-scale financial assistance from Japan".

North Korea hopes to get $20 billion to $50 billion in aid from Japan if it normalises relations, the newspaper said. However, it said the briefing papers offered no specifics about steps to normalise bilateral relations, as agreed in 2002.

Those steps include resolving the abductee issue, as well as Pyongyang's missile and nuclear weapons development.

North Korea admitted in 2002 it had kidnapped 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies, and five of them returned to Japan. Tokyo suspects that hundreds more may have been taken.

The Japanese government said it had been in touch with the North but declined to offer specific comment on the report

Japan has sounded out the North Korean government about a bilateral summit, and Pyongyang has discussed the possibility of a leaders' meeting with Japan, Japan's Asahi newspaper said on Thursday. The government of Kim Jong Un has informed leaders of North Korea's ruling Korean Workers Party of the possibility of a summit with Japan, the newspaper said, citing an unidentified North Korean source and briefing papers. "The Japanese government has expressed a wish to host a leaders meeting, via the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan," or Chongryon, Pyongyang's de facto embassy in Japan, the Asahi quoted the North Korean briefing papers as saying. The Japanese government said it had been in touch with the North but declined to offer specific comment on the report. "We have been communicating with North Korea through various occasions and means such as a route via our embassy in Beijing, but I would like to refrain from going into specifics," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference. A Chongryon spokesman in Tokyo declined to comment on the Asahi report. A Japanese government source told Reuters in mid-March that Japan was considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kim to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago. The Asahi said in an article from Seoul Kim's government had explained its bilateral diplomatic plans for South Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, in that order. Kim met President Xi Jinping in China this week, his first trip abroad since taking over as North Korean leader in 2011. Summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are being planned for April and May, respectively. The North Korean briefing papers cite the possibility of a Japan summit in early June, the Asahi said. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono left open the possibility that Abe might meet Kim at some point. Kono said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday Japan was closely watching preparations for the North-South Korean summit and the Trump-Kim meeting. A Japanese ruling party lawmaker said the outlook for an Abe-Kim summit depended on how the earlier summits played out. "There are stages and barriers," he told Reuters. "In particular, there's no guarantee Trump-Kim talks will go well." The Asahi quoted another unidentified source as saying North Korea's "dialogue partner on security issues is America" but that the country "can only hope for large-scale financial assistance from Japan". North Korea hopes to get $20 billion to $50 billion in aid from Japan if it normalises relations, the newspaper said. However, it said the briefing papers offered no specifics about steps to normalise bilateral relations, as agreed in 2002. Those steps include resolving the abductee issue, as well as Pyongyang's missile and nuclear weapons development. North Korea admitted in 2002 it had kidnapped 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies, and five of them returned to Japan. Tokyo suspects that hundreds more may have been taken.

Japan offers North Korea summit, Pyongyang discussing meeting with Japan: Report

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-wins-denuclearisation-pledge-from-north-koreas-kim-affirms-friendship-126678">China's Xi wins denuclearisation pledge from North Korea's Kim, affirms friendship</a>

China said on Wednesday it won a pledge from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to denuclearise the Korean peninsula during a meeting with President Xi Jinping, who pledged in return that China would uphold its friendship with its isolated neighbour.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/stormy-daniels-row-white-house-defends-trumps-silence-126679">Stormy Daniels row: White House defends Trump's silence</a>

White House press secretary Sarah Sanders on Tuesday defended United States President Donald Trump's silence on allegations levelled against him by porn star Stormy Daniels.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/north-korea-willing-to-hold-summit-with-us-kim-jong-un-126675">North Korea willing to hold </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/north-korea-willing-to-hold-summit-with-us-kim-jong-un-126675">summit</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/north-korea-willing-to-hold-summit-with-us-kim-jong-un-126675"> with </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/north-korea-willing-to-hold-summit-with-us-kim-jong-un-126675">US</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/north-korea-willing-to-hold-summit-with-us-kim-jong-un-126675">: Kim Jong Un</a>

North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un confirmed on Wednesday his willingness to hold a summit with Washington. Kim's statement came while he was on a surprise visit to China where he held talks with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/facebooks-mark-zuckerberg-to-testify-before-us-congress-source-126687">Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg to testify before US Congress: Source</a>

Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg plans to testify before US Congress, a source briefed on the matter said on Tuesday, as he bows to pressure from lawmakers insisting he explains how 50 million users’ data ended up in the hands of a political consultancy.&nbsp;

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/nato-expels-seven-russian-diplomats-limits-size-of-mission-126642">NATO expels seven Russian diplomats, limits </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/nato-expels-seven-russian-diplomats-limits-size-of-mission-126642">size</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/nato-expels-seven-russian-diplomats-limits-size-of-mission-126642"> of </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/nato-expels-seven-russian-diplomats-limits-size-of-mission-126642">mission</a>

NATO has expelled seven diplomats from Russia's mission to the alliance and blocked the appointment of three others over the nerve agent attack in Britain this month, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday.

China's Xi wins denuclearisation pledge from North Korea's Kim, affirms friendship China said on Wednesday it won a pledge from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to denuclearise the Korean peninsula during a meeting with President Xi Jinping, who pledged in return that China would uphold its friendship with its isolated neighbour. Stormy Daniels row: White House defends Trump's silence White House press secretary Sarah Sanders on Tuesday defended United States President Donald Trump's silence on allegations levelled against him by porn star Stormy Daniels. North Korea willing to hold summit with US: Kim Jong Un North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un confirmed on Wednesday his willingness to hold a summit with Washington. Kim's statement came while he was on a surprise visit to China where he held talks with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg to testify before US Congress: Source Facebook Inc Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg plans to testify before US Congress, a source briefed on the matter said on Tuesday, as he bows to pressure from lawmakers insisting he explains how 50 million users’ data ended up in the hands of a political consultancy. NATO expels seven Russian diplomats, limits size of mission NATO has expelled seven diplomats from Russia's mission to the alliance and blocked the appointment of three others over the nerve agent attack in Britain this month, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said on Tuesday.

News brief: Read the five big stories of the day

State media calls North Korea's nuclear weapons a "treasured sword of justice".

Pyongyang has released commemorative stamps and built monuments in honour of its ballistic missile tests, while nuclear and rocket scientists have been named national heroes.&nbsp

For Kim Jong Un, fully giving up nuclear weapons would mean a dramatic reversal for an authoritarian leader who has not only staked his security on his nuclear arsenal, but also spent years publicly celebrating such weapons as an integral part of his regime's legitimacy and power.

South Korean envoys who met Kim in Pyongyang early this month quoted Kim as saying he was "committed to denuclearization", and that he "expressed his eagerness to meet US&nbspPresident Donald Trump as soon as possible".

Chinese officials who met with Kim in Beijing this week also said he committed to denuclearisation, but initial North Korean state media reports on the visit did not mention the nuclear issue.

Absent any public confirmation from Pyongyang, analysts are sceptical Kim will suddenly give up the nuclear arsenal he and his family have spent decades developing.&nbsp

Instead, Kim is likely to seek a more nuanced and long-term approach that could allow him to emerge looking victorious in the minds of his people and domestic elites, they say.

"Kim Jong Un does not need to sell anything to the North Korean population, particularly because denuclearisation is a process that will take at least 10 years to realistically achieve," said Michael Madden, an expert on North Korea leadership at Johns Hopkins University's 38 North website.

"Pyongyang most likely envisions ... a series of incremental agreements around this, rather than one or two large grand bargains."

Concessions needed

Former South Korean officials who have negotiated with the North in the past say such a pivot could be difficult, but not impossible - if the United States makes major concessions Kim Jong Un can take back and parade to his people.

"Kim Jong Un would seek to propagate the idea that he induced the US&nbspand international community’s ‘surrender’ by having mastered nuclear weapons," said Kim Hyung-suk, who served as the South's vice unification minister between 2016 and 2017.

"If talks go well, sanctions are eased and the economy grows. Then the people would understand Kim’s denuclearisation decision and become strongly supportive of it."

That may not be the kind of deal Trump envisions as he plans to sit down with Kim sometime in May for a historic first summit between sitting leaders of the two countries.

Trump's new national security adviser, John Bolton, recently said Trump should insist any meeting he holds with Kim be focussed squarely on how to eliminate that country's nuclear weapons programme as quickly as possible.&nbsp

Silence in Pyongyang&nbsp

The lack of comment from North Korean state media on the proposed talks between Kim and Trump was not unexpected, analysts said.

"It might reflect an ongoing internal discussion about how to deal with public opinion, certainly, although I would characterise that as a broader discussion of how to proceed overall," said Christopher Green, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group, which researches conflict.

Given the importance he has attached to the weapons, and the money poured into their development, Kim will have to tread carefully to ensure any talk of abandoning the nuclear programme started by his grandfather and continued by his father wouldn't undermine his legitimacy at home, experts say.

To try to balance factions in his government, Kim Jong Un embraced a policy of "byungjin," or simultaneous military and economic development, after he came to power in 2011.&nbsp

Since 2013, the pro-military factions have been ascendant, but a Trump summit could lend heft to arguments by officials who prefer to prioritise economic development, Green said.

A number of military authorities and other senior elites might be less receptive to denuclearization.

"For them, it’s unthinkable to ensure regime security with conventional forces alone, so they could object to Kim’s decision and continue to argue for keeping the bombs," said Kim Hyung-suk.

Forebearers teaching

According to South Korean and Chinese officials, Kim Jong Un told them denuclearising the Korean peninsula was forebearers'&nbspteaching - a potential talking point if he does try to justify curtailing his much-vaunted nuclear programme.

"It is our consistent stand to be committed to denuclearization on the peninsula, in accordance with the will of late President Kim Il Sung and late General Secretary Kim Jong Il," Kim told Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit this week, according to Chinese state media.

Kim Jong Un's father and grandfather both publicly promised not to pursue nuclear weapons, but secretly continued to develop the programmes, culminating in the country's first nuclear test in 2006 under Kim Jong Il.

Even after that test, Kim Jong Il insisted in a 2007 summit with his South Korean counterpart that he didn't "have the intention to own nuclear weapons".

The history of failed negotiations with Pyongyang makes many observers, including former senior US&nbspdiplomat Evans Revere, sceptical the latest negotiations will be any different.&nbsp

In past talks, North Korea had said it could consider giving up its arsenal if the United States removes its troops from South Korea and withdraws its so-called "nuclear umbrella" of deterrence from South Korea and Japan, a stance Washington has found unacceptable.

"Those of us who have negotiated with the North Koreans know what they mean (by denuclearisation)," Revere said.&nbsp

"About the only thing that the North Korean leader might need to 'sell'&nbspto his people - and particularly to the military - is the idea of a 'freeze'&nbspon some elements of his programme."

For Kim Jong Un, fully giving up nuclear weapons would mean a dramatic reversal for an authoritarian leader

State media calls North Korea's nuclear weapons a "treasured sword of justice". Pyongyang has released commemorative stamps and built monuments in honour of its ballistic missile tests, while nuclear and rocket scientists have been named national heroes. For Kim Jong Un, fully giving up nuclear weapons would mean a dramatic reversal for an authoritarian leader who has not only staked his security on his nuclear arsenal, but also spent years publicly celebrating such weapons as an integral part of his regime's legitimacy and power. South Korean envoys who met Kim in Pyongyang early this month quoted Kim as saying he was "committed to denuclearization", and that he "expressed his eagerness to meet US&nbspPresident Donald Trump as soon as possible". Chinese officials who met with Kim in Beijing this week also said he committed to denuclearisation, but initial North Korean state media reports on the visit did not mention the nuclear issue. Absent any public confirmation from Pyongyang, analysts are sceptical Kim will suddenly give up the nuclear arsenal he and his family have spent decades developing. Instead, Kim is likely to seek a more nuanced and long-term approach that could allow him to emerge looking victorious in the minds of his people and domestic elites, they say. "Kim Jong Un does not need to sell anything to the North Korean population, particularly because denuclearisation is a process that will take at least 10 years to realistically achieve," said Michael Madden, an expert on North Korea leadership at Johns Hopkins University's 38 North website. "Pyongyang most likely envisions ... a series of incremental agreements around this, rather than one or two large grand bargains." Concessions needed Former South Korean officials who have negotiated with the North in the past say such a pivot could be difficult, but not impossible - if the United States makes major concessions Kim Jong Un can take back and parade to his people. "Kim Jong Un would seek to propagate the idea that he induced the US&nbspand international community’s ‘surrender’ by having mastered nuclear weapons," said Kim Hyung-suk, who served as the South's vice unification minister between 2016 and 2017. "If talks go well, sanctions are eased and the economy grows. Then the people would understand Kim’s denuclearisation decision and become strongly supportive of it." That may not be the kind of deal Trump envisions as he plans to sit down with Kim sometime in May for a historic first summit between sitting leaders of the two countries. Trump's new national security adviser, John Bolton, recently said Trump should insist any meeting he holds with Kim be focussed squarely on how to eliminate that country's nuclear weapons programme as quickly as possible. Silence in Pyongyang The lack of comment from North Korean state media on the proposed talks between Kim and Trump was not unexpected, analysts said. "It might reflect an ongoing internal discussion about how to deal with public opinion, certainly, although I would characterise that as a broader discussion of how to proceed overall," said Christopher Green, a senior adviser with the International Crisis Group, which researches conflict. Given the importance he has attached to the weapons, and the money poured into their development, Kim will have to tread carefully to ensure any talk of abandoning the nuclear programme started by his grandfather and continued by his father wouldn't undermine his legitimacy at home, experts say. To try to balance factions in his government, Kim Jong Un embraced a policy of "byungjin," or simultaneous military and economic development, after he came to power in 2011. Since 2013, the pro-military factions have been ascendant, but a Trump summit could lend heft to arguments by officials who prefer to prioritise economic development, Green said. A number of military authorities and other senior elites might be less receptive to denuclearization. "For them, it’s unthinkable to ensure regime security with conventional forces alone, so they could object to Kim’s decision and continue to argue for keeping the bombs," said Kim Hyung-suk. Forebearers teaching According to South Korean and Chinese officials, Kim Jong Un told them denuclearising the Korean peninsula was forebearers'&nbspteaching - a potential talking point if he does try to justify curtailing his much-vaunted nuclear programme. "It is our consistent stand to be committed to denuclearization on the peninsula, in accordance with the will of late President Kim Il Sung and late General Secretary Kim Jong Il," Kim told Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit this week, according to Chinese state media. Kim Jong Un's father and grandfather both publicly promised not to pursue nuclear weapons, but secretly continued to develop the programmes, culminating in the country's first nuclear test in 2006 under Kim Jong Il. Even after that test, Kim Jong Il insisted in a 2007 summit with his South Korean counterpart that he didn't "have the intention to own nuclear weapons". The history of failed negotiations with Pyongyang makes many observers, including former senior US&nbspdiplomat Evans Revere, sceptical the latest negotiations will be any different. In past talks, North Korea had said it could consider giving up its arsenal if the United States removes its troops from South Korea and withdraws its so-called "nuclear umbrella" of deterrence from South Korea and Japan, a stance Washington has found unacceptable. "Those of us who have negotiated with the North Koreans know what they mean (by denuclearisation)," Revere said. "About the only thing that the North Korean leader might need to 'sell'&nbspto his people - and particularly to the military - is the idea of a 'freeze'&nbspon some elements of his programme."

Analysis: How does Kim tell North Korea he's giving up nuclear weapons?

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China from Sunday to Wednesday on an unofficial visit, China's state news agency Xinhua reported on Wednesday.

The visit, confirmed by China and North Korea, was Mr Kim's first foreign trip since taking office in 2011. And is believed by analysts to serve as preparation for upcoming summits with South Korea and the United States.

Beijing has traditionally been the closest ally of secretive and isolated North Korea, but ties have been frayed by North Korea`s pursuit of nuclear weapons and China`s backing of tough U.N. sanctions in response.

Xinhua published a photograph of Kim and Xi shaking hands in front of the flags of the two nations.

Speculation about a possible visit by Kim to Beijing was rife earlier this week after a train similar to the one used by Kim`s father was seen in the Chinese capital, along with heavy security and a large motorcade.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that Kim visited China from Sunday to Wednesday with his wife, Ri Sol Ju. It cited North Korea without elaborating.

Xi had accepted an invitation from Kim to visit North Korea, Yonhap said.

Improving ties between North Korea and China would be a positive sign before planned summits involving the two Koreas and the United States, a senior South Korean official said on Tuesday.

Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, met then-president Jiang Zemin in China in 2000 before a summit between the two Koreas in June that year. That visit was seen at the time as a reaffirmation of close ties with Beijing.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The visit, confirmed by China and North Korea, was Kim's first foreign trip since taking office in 2011

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited China from Sunday to Wednesday on an unofficial visit, China's state news agency Xinhua reported on Wednesday. The visit, confirmed by China and North Korea, was Mr Kim's first foreign trip since taking office in 2011. And is believed by analysts to serve as preparation for upcoming summits with South Korea and the United States. Beijing has traditionally been the closest ally of secretive and isolated North Korea, but ties have been frayed by North Korea`s pursuit of nuclear weapons and China`s backing of tough U.N. sanctions in response. Xinhua published a photograph of Kim and Xi shaking hands in front of the flags of the two nations. Speculation about a possible visit by Kim to Beijing was rife earlier this week after a train similar to the one used by Kim`s father was seen in the Chinese capital, along with heavy security and a large motorcade. South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that Kim visited China from Sunday to Wednesday with his wife, Ri Sol Ju. It cited North Korea without elaborating. Xi had accepted an invitation from Kim to visit North Korea, Yonhap said. Improving ties between North Korea and China would be a positive sign before planned summits involving the two Koreas and the United States, a senior South Korean official said on Tuesday. Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, met then-president Jiang Zemin in China in 2000 before a summit between the two Koreas in June that year. That visit was seen at the time as a reaffirmation of close ties with Beijing. (With inputs from Agencies)

China and North Korea confirm Kim Jong Un visited Beijing

North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un confirmed on Wednesday his willingness to hold a summit with Washington. Kim's statement came while he was on a surprise visit to China where he held talks with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

"The DPRK is willing to have a dialogue with the United States and hold a summit of the two countries," Kim was cited by a leading Chinese news agency.&nbsp

Kim Jong Un's visit to China came to an end on Wednesday. A South Korean news agency reported Kim's visit to China which started on Sunday. Kim was in China along with his wife, Ri Sol Ju.&nbsp

Improving ties between North Korea and China would be a positive sign before planned summits involving the two Koreas and the United States, a senior South Korean official said on Tuesday.

(With inputs from Reuters)

A South Korean news agency reported Kim's visit to China which started from Sunday and ended on Wednesday

North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un confirmed on Wednesday his willingness to hold a summit with Washington. Kim's statement came while he was on a surprise visit to China where he held talks with his Chinese counterpart President Xi Jinping in Beijing. "The DPRK is willing to have a dialogue with the United States and hold a summit of the two countries," Kim was cited by a leading Chinese news agency. Kim Jong Un's visit to China came to an end on Wednesday. A South Korean news agency reported Kim's visit to China which started on Sunday. Kim was in China along with his wife, Ri Sol Ju. Improving ties between North Korea and China would be a positive sign before planned summits involving the two Koreas and the United States, a senior South Korean official said on Tuesday. (With inputs from Reuters)

North Korea willing to hold summit with US: Kim Jong Un

As Kim Jong Un met China's President Xi in Beijing in a secret, President Trump in a tweet said the North Korean leader will do "what is right and move toward peace".

China said Kim had pledged to denuclearise the Korean peninsula while North Korean state media said Xi had accepted "with pleasure" an invitation to visit the North.

Trump and Kim are set to meet each other in May for talks amid tensions in the Korean peninsula.

Trump in a series of tweets last year had slammed North Korea's alleged nuclear programme as both leaders traded insults openly.

However, after Kim expressed his country's willingness to send a delegation for the Winter Olympics in South Korea tensions cooled in the region.

Trump later surprised everyone declaring that he was ready for talk with the controversial North Korean leader.

In his tweet, Trump said: "Received message last night from Xi Jinping of China that his meeting with Kim Jong Un went very well and that Kim looks forward to his meeting with me."

However, the US president added that in the "meantime, and unfortunately, maximum sanctions and pressure must be maintained at all cost." "For years and through many administrations, everyone said that peace and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was not even a small possibility," Trump said.

"Now there is a good chance that Kim Jong Un will do what is right for his people and for humanity. Look forward to our meeting," the US president declared.

&nbsp

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s2G4pvMRmk0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Trump and Kim are set to meet each other in May for talks amid tensions in the Korean peninsula.

As Kim Jong Un met China's President Xi in Beijing in a secret, President Trump in a tweet said the North Korean leader will do "what is right and move toward peace". China said Kim had pledged to denuclearise the Korean peninsula while North Korean state media said Xi had accepted "with pleasure" an invitation to visit the North. Trump and Kim are set to meet each other in May for talks amid tensions in the Korean peninsula. Trump in a series of tweets last year had slammed North Korea's alleged nuclear programme as both leaders traded insults openly. However, after Kim expressed his country's willingness to send a delegation for the Winter Olympics in South Korea tensions cooled in the region. Trump later surprised everyone declaring that he was ready for talk with the controversial North Korean leader. In his tweet, Trump said: "Received message last night from Xi Jinping of China that his meeting with Kim Jong Un went very well and that Kim looks forward to his meeting with me." However, the US president added that in the "meantime, and unfortunately, maximum sanctions and pressure must be maintained at all cost." "For years and through many administrations, everyone said that peace and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was not even a small possibility," Trump said. "Now there is a good chance that Kim Jong Un will do what is right for his people and for humanity. Look forward to our meeting," the US president declared.

After Xi, Kim meeting, Trump says North Korean leader 'will do what is right for his people and for humanity'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's visit to China, countering what had been growing estrangement between the Cold War allies, is likely to bolster Pyongyang's leverage going into a planned summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump.

For Chinese President Xi Jinping, the meeting with a long-troublesome neighbour ensures Beijing will not be left out of any deal struck between the United States and North and South Korea, experts said.

Months of frosty relations between Beijing and Pyongyang appeared suddenly to thaw with Kim's secretive trip, which saw the Chinese capital go into security lockdown as the mysterious North Korean delegation toured the city.

China said Kim had pledged to denuclearise the Korean peninsula while North Korean state media said Xi had accepted "with pleasure" an invitation to visit the North.

Kim's meeting with Xi strengthens North Korea's negotiating position by aligning the two nations ahead of Trump and Kim's planned meeting, said Wang Peng, a North Korea expert at the Charhar Institute in Beijing.

"North Korea is seeking assurances," he said. "They want to quickly mend ties with China so that they have more leeway with the United States and they have more confidence in a good outcome."

Analysts say North Korea has been hurt by tightening UN sanctions and would need Beijing's support for any softening of trade restrictions.

China wanted to show its importance as a partner to North Korea and ease worries about being sidelined in negotiations between the Koreas the United States.

“At the end of the day, China’s got huge interests and it was not comfortable not being at the table,” said Paul Haenle, director of the Carnegie–Tsinghua Center in Beijing and a White House representative to the Six Party Talks from 2007-2009.

“Kim Jong Un's first meeting with a head of state was with the Chinese president, which frankly from the Chinese perspective is exactly the right thing,” he added.

Trump's decision to hire hardliners such as incoming National Security Adviser John Bolton may have put added pressure on North Korea before the summit, said Han Suk-hee, professor of Chinese Studies at Yonsei University.

"It seems that North Korea is not ready to deal with the United States without support and help from its longtime ally China," he said.&nbsp

China, as well as being North Korea's biggest trade partner, also has key strategic interest in assuring its isolated neighbour remains a buffer between it and South Korea, home to 28,500 US troops.&nbsp

The two nations also have long-standing emotional and historic ties. China sometimes says they are "blood brothers", having fought side-by-side in the 1950-53 Korean War.

The two remained close allies in the decades immediately after the Korean War, but have drifted apart since Kim succeeded his late father. 
North Korea`s rapid escalation of nuclear tests and missile launches, combined with the assassination of Kim`s half-brother last year in a Kuala Lumpur airport, brought diplomatic ties between Beijing and Pyongyang to historic lows.

With China signing on to ever-stricter United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang, North Korean state media took to openly criticizing and even threatening China.

"China is ... the only state willing and able to immediately ease North Korea`s economic burden," said Christopher Green, senior adviser at International Crisis Group. North Korea was not prepared to give up its close relationship with China, much as it may chafe at its economic and political reliance on its much bigger neighbour, he added.

With North and South Korean relations improving during the Winter Olympics and plans for summits involving Trump, Moon and Kim, Beijing had reasons to resume contact with North Korea that had all but disappeared in the past year.

Xi stressed to Kim that past Chinese and North Korean leaders had always visited each other "as often as relatives", proposing the two leaders set up new channels of communication, China`s official Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday.&nbsp

Chinese state media has cast Beijing as crucial to forcing talks between Trump and Kim with its "freeze for freeze" pitch for North Korea to suspend nuclear and missile tests, and South Korea and the United States to suspend military drills.

"It's extremely difficult for the US to map out a feasible denuclearisation process that meets the North Korean preconditions without China's support and involvement," said Cheng Xiaohe, a North Korea expert at Renmin University in Beijing. "China wants to show it cannot be left out."&nbsp

Speaking at a banquet hosted by Xi, Kim Jong Un expressed gratitude to China for readily accepting his proposal to visit and all the efforts Chinese leaders made to pave the way for a successful visit in a short period of time, according to the North`s official KCNA news agency.

China remains an advocate for a dual track of pressure and greater dialogue with North Korea, a position at odds with the Trump administration`s maximal pressure approach.

That disagreement had left Beijing sidelined amid the escalating crisis, shunning a meeting of foreign ministers in Canada where leaders discussed how to pressure the North into backing down.

North Korea may also be taking advantage of tensions in US-China relations over trade and the disputed South China Sea to draw in Beijing, Jia Qingguo, dean of the School of International Studies at China`s Peking University&nbsp

"China wants North Korea to denuclearise but does not want to alienate North Korea at a time when China-US relations are deteriorating very fast," said Jia, who has advised the government on foreign policy.

"We want a denuclearized North Korea, but at the same time we want North Korea to be a friend."

Analysts say North Korea has been hurt by tightening UN sanctions and would need Beijing's support for any softening of trade restrictions

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's visit to China, countering what had been growing estrangement between the Cold War allies, is likely to bolster Pyongyang's leverage going into a planned summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump. For Chinese President Xi Jinping, the meeting with a long-troublesome neighbour ensures Beijing will not be left out of any deal struck between the United States and North and South Korea, experts said. Months of frosty relations between Beijing and Pyongyang appeared suddenly to thaw with Kim's secretive trip, which saw the Chinese capital go into security lockdown as the mysterious North Korean delegation toured the city. China said Kim had pledged to denuclearise the Korean peninsula while North Korean state media said Xi had accepted "with pleasure" an invitation to visit the North. Kim's meeting with Xi strengthens North Korea's negotiating position by aligning the two nations ahead of Trump and Kim's planned meeting, said Wang Peng, a North Korea expert at the Charhar Institute in Beijing. "North Korea is seeking assurances," he said. "They want to quickly mend ties with China so that they have more leeway with the United States and they have more confidence in a good outcome." Analysts say North Korea has been hurt by tightening UN sanctions and would need Beijing's support for any softening of trade restrictions. China wanted to show its importance as a partner to North Korea and ease worries about being sidelined in negotiations between the Koreas the United States. “At the end of the day, China’s got huge interests and it was not comfortable not being at the table,” said Paul Haenle, director of the Carnegie–Tsinghua Center in Beijing and a White House representative to the Six Party Talks from 2007-2009. “Kim Jong Un's first meeting with a head of state was with the Chinese president, which frankly from the Chinese perspective is exactly the right thing,” he added. Trump's decision to hire hardliners such as incoming National Security Adviser John Bolton may have put added pressure on North Korea before the summit, said Han Suk-hee, professor of Chinese Studies at Yonsei University. "It seems that North Korea is not ready to deal with the United States without support and help from its longtime ally China," he said. China, as well as being North Korea's biggest trade partner, also has key strategic interest in assuring its isolated neighbour remains a buffer between it and South Korea, home to 28,500 US troops. The two nations also have long-standing emotional and historic ties. China sometimes says they are "blood brothers", having fought side-by-side in the 1950-53 Korean War. The two remained close allies in the decades immediately after the Korean War, but have drifted apart since Kim succeeded his late father. North Korea`s rapid escalation of nuclear tests and missile launches, combined with the assassination of Kim`s half-brother last year in a Kuala Lumpur airport, brought diplomatic ties between Beijing and Pyongyang to historic lows. With China signing on to ever-stricter United Nations sanctions against Pyongyang, North Korean state media took to openly criticizing and even threatening China. "China is ... the only state willing and able to immediately ease North Korea`s economic burden," said Christopher Green, senior adviser at International Crisis Group. North Korea was not prepared to give up its close relationship with China, much as it may chafe at its economic and political reliance on its much bigger neighbour, he added. With North and South Korean relations improving during the Winter Olympics and plans for summits involving Trump, Moon and Kim, Beijing had reasons to resume contact with North Korea that had all but disappeared in the past year. Xi stressed to Kim that past Chinese and North Korean leaders had always visited each other "as often as relatives", proposing the two leaders set up new channels of communication, China`s official Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday. Chinese state media has cast Beijing as crucial to forcing talks between Trump and Kim with its "freeze for freeze" pitch for North Korea to suspend nuclear and missile tests, and South Korea and the United States to suspend military drills. "It's extremely difficult for the US to map out a feasible denuclearisation process that meets the North Korean preconditions without China's support and involvement," said Cheng Xiaohe, a North Korea expert at Renmin University in Beijing. "China wants to show it cannot be left out." Speaking at a banquet hosted by Xi, Kim Jong Un expressed gratitude to China for readily accepting his proposal to visit and all the efforts Chinese leaders made to pave the way for a successful visit in a short period of time, according to the North`s official KCNA news agency. China remains an advocate for a dual track of pressure and greater dialogue with North Korea, a position at odds with the Trump administration`s maximal pressure approach. That disagreement had left Beijing sidelined amid the escalating crisis, shunning a meeting of foreign ministers in Canada where leaders discussed how to pressure the North into backing down. North Korea may also be taking advantage of tensions in US-China relations over trade and the disputed South China Sea to draw in Beijing, Jia Qingguo, dean of the School of International Studies at China`s Peking University "China wants North Korea to denuclearise but does not want to alienate North Korea at a time when China-US relations are deteriorating very fast," said Jia, who has advised the government on foreign policy. "We want a denuclearized North Korea, but at the same time we want North Korea to be a friend."

With secretive China trip, North Korea's Kim builds bargaining power

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un has visited China, Bloomberg reported on Monday citing three unnamed sources, in what would be his first known overseas trip since taking power in 2011 and ahead of a potential summit with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump.

Details of his visit including its purpose and itinerary were not yet known, Bloomberg said. Japanese media reported earlier on Monday that a high-ranking Pyongyang official appeared to have arrived by train in Beijing.

Kyodo, citing sources close to the matter, said the visit of the official was intended to improve ties between Beijing and Pyongyang that have been frayed by North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons and China's backing of tough sanctions against North Korea at the United Nations Security Council.

The visit could not immediately be confirmed by Reuters.

Footage from Nippon News Network, owned by Nippon TV, showed what an announcer described as a green train carriage with yellow horizontal lines, part of a 21-car train, similar to the kind that Kim's late father, Kim Jong Il, rode when he visited Beijing in 2011.

Beijing has traditionally been the closest ally of secretive and isolated North Korea. But Kim is due to hold summit meetings separately with China's rivals, South Korea and the United States.

"Such a visit would reflect China's effort to get back in the game," said Scott Snyder, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations think tank. "Xi would not tolerate being third in line to meet Kim."

Asked earlier at a daily news briefing about reports of an important North Korean visitor arriving at the Chinese border city of Dandong, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she was unaware of the situation.

Nobody answered the telephone at the North Korean embassy in Beijing on Monday evening.

"The government is closely communicating with relevant countries and monitoring the situation," South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement via a messaging app earlier on Monday.

Asked about the report that Kim was in China, White House spokesman Raj Shah told reporters on Monday: "We can't confirm those reports. We don't know if they're necessarily true."

Kyodo, citing sources, reported that on Sunday, a special train that might have carried the official passed through Dandong. Two sources in northeastern China also told Reuters that a North Korean visitor had crossed into Dandong by train.

The rail journey between Dandong and Beijing covers more than 1,100 km (680 miles). It takes at least 14 hours by ordinary service, according to Chinese railway timetables.

Heavy security

On Chinese social media some residents of Dandong said there had been high security around the train station there and said there were rumours that Kim was passing through.

Police tightened security along Beijing's main east-west thoroughfare, Changan Avenue, mid-afternoon Monday, closing off the entrances to some of the buildings which face the road.

Police also cleared out all tourists from Tiananmen Square around the same time, which normally only happens when important meetings are happening in the Great Hall of the People, where top Chinese leaders often meet visiting heads of state.

There was a large security presence outside the Great Hall on Monday evening. Reuters reporters saw a lengthy motorcade, including a limousine with dark tinted windows, heading down Changan Avenue in the direction of the Diaoyutai State Guest House and away from the Great Hall of the People, flanked by a police escort on motor-bikes.

Also on Monday evening, the Beijing railway bureau warned on its microblog, without giving a reason, of multiple train delays of up to two hours in the Beijing region.

A source with ties to the Chinese military told Reuters that it was "not possible to rule out the possibility" that Kim was visiting Beijing, but cautioned this was not confirmed.

A diplomatic source told Reuters that there was heavy security around the Diaoyutai State Guest House, where some high level foreign visitors stay during visits to the city. Other diplomatic sources said they were aware of the speculation that Kim was visiting but were not able to immediately confirm it.

Visits to China by Kim Jong Il were only confirmed by both China and North Korea once he had left the country.

Kim Jong Il travelled by private train during his rare visits to China or Russia under tight security. Diplomats and other sources have said Kim Jong Il avoided flying for overseas trips due to security concerns.

The younger Kim, who was educated in Switzerland, is not known to have any fear of flying and state media have shown pictures of him aboard a plane. However, he is not known to have travelled outside the country since assuming power in late 2011 after his father's death.

Kim Jong Il travelled by private train during his rare visits to China or Russia under tight security

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un has visited China, Bloomberg reported on Monday citing three unnamed sources, in what would be his first known overseas trip since taking power in 2011 and ahead of a potential summit with US&nbspPresident Donald Trump. Details of his visit including its purpose and itinerary were not yet known, Bloomberg said. Japanese media reported earlier on Monday that a high-ranking Pyongyang official appeared to have arrived by train in Beijing. Kyodo, citing sources close to the matter, said the visit of the official was intended to improve ties between Beijing and Pyongyang that have been frayed by North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons and China's backing of tough sanctions against North Korea at the United Nations Security Council. The visit could not immediately be confirmed by Reuters. Footage from Nippon News Network, owned by Nippon TV, showed what an announcer described as a green train carriage with yellow horizontal lines, part of a 21-car train, similar to the kind that Kim's late father, Kim Jong Il, rode when he visited Beijing in 2011. Beijing has traditionally been the closest ally of secretive and isolated North Korea. But Kim is due to hold summit meetings separately with China's rivals, South Korea and the United States. "Such a visit would reflect China's effort to get back in the game," said Scott Snyder, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations think tank. "Xi would not tolerate being third in line to meet Kim." Asked earlier at a daily news briefing about reports of an important North Korean visitor arriving at the Chinese border city of Dandong, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she was unaware of the situation. Nobody answered the telephone at the North Korean embassy in Beijing on Monday evening. "The government is closely communicating with relevant countries and monitoring the situation," South Korea's presidential Blue House said in a statement via a messaging app earlier on Monday. Asked about the report that Kim was in China, White House spokesman Raj Shah told reporters on Monday: "We can't confirm those reports. We don't know if they're necessarily true." Kyodo, citing sources, reported that on Sunday, a special train that might have carried the official passed through Dandong. Two sources in northeastern China also told Reuters that a North Korean visitor had crossed into Dandong by train. The rail journey between Dandong and Beijing covers more than 1,100 km (680 miles). It takes at least 14 hours by ordinary service, according to Chinese railway timetables. Heavy security On Chinese social media some residents of Dandong said there had been high security around the train station there and said there were rumours that Kim was passing through. Police tightened security along Beijing's main east-west thoroughfare, Changan Avenue, mid-afternoon Monday, closing off the entrances to some of the buildings which face the road. Police also cleared out all tourists from Tiananmen Square around the same time, which normally only happens when important meetings are happening in the Great Hall of the People, where top Chinese leaders often meet visiting heads of state. There was a large security presence outside the Great Hall on Monday evening. Reuters reporters saw a lengthy motorcade, including a limousine with dark tinted windows, heading down Changan Avenue in the direction of the Diaoyutai State Guest House and away from the Great Hall of the People, flanked by a police escort on motor-bikes. Also on Monday evening, the Beijing railway bureau warned on its microblog, without giving a reason, of multiple train delays of up to two hours in the Beijing region. A source with ties to the Chinese military told Reuters that it was "not possible to rule out the possibility" that Kim was visiting Beijing, but cautioned this was not confirmed. A diplomatic source told Reuters that there was heavy security around the Diaoyutai State Guest House, where some high level foreign visitors stay during visits to the city. Other diplomatic sources said they were aware of the speculation that Kim was visiting but were not able to immediately confirm it. Visits to China by Kim Jong Il were only confirmed by both China and North Korea once he had left the country. Kim Jong Il travelled by private train during his rare visits to China or Russia under tight security. Diplomats and other sources have said Kim Jong Il avoided flying for overseas trips due to security concerns. The younger Kim, who was educated in Switzerland, is not known to have any fear of flying and state media have shown pictures of him aboard a plane. However, he is not known to have travelled outside the country since assuming power in late 2011 after his father's death.

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un reaches China in surprise visit

North Korea is offering negotiations with the United States in order to buy time to develop its nuclear weapons, the incoming US national security advisor (NSA) John Bolton said on Sunday.

In an interview on the "Cats Roundtable" radio show, Bolton said, "I think we have to look at what North Korea's motivation is here. I think they're very worried that they've got a different president in the White House than Barack Obama. They're worried about the pressure that the president's (Donald Trump) already put on."

"They've got a fairly limited number of things they need to do in North Korea to make their nuclear warheads actually deliverable on targets in the United States. So they want to try and slow roll the negotiations to buy more time. This is something they've done consistently over the last 25 years," he added.

Bolton is known as one of the most hawkish voices in US foreign policy and has recently argued for a preventive strike on North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported.

President Trump picked Bolton as his new NSA on Friday, replacing H.R. McMaster, shortly after he replaced Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with another hawk, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo last week.

Both the decisions came after the US president accepted Kim's invitation to a summit, which the former said would take place before the end of May.

He underscored that sooner the meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will happen, the issue of denuclearisation would be solved in a "concrete manner" and not by "theoretical discussion".

Bolton served as the ambassador to the United Nations under former US President George W. Bush during parts of 2005 and 2006. He will take over as the new NSA on April 9.

US National Security Advisor (NSA) John Bolton underscored that sooner the meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will happen, the issue of denuclearisation would be solved in a "concrete manner" and not by 'theoretical discussion'

North Korea is offering negotiations with the United States in order to buy time to develop its nuclear weapons, the incoming US national security advisor (NSA) John Bolton said on Sunday. In an interview on the "Cats Roundtable" radio show, Bolton said, "I think we have to look at what North Korea's motivation is here. I think they're very worried that they've got a different president in the White House than Barack Obama. They're worried about the pressure that the president's (Donald Trump) already put on." "They've got a fairly limited number of things they need to do in North Korea to make their nuclear warheads actually deliverable on targets in the United States. So they want to try and slow roll the negotiations to buy more time. This is something they've done consistently over the last 25 years," he added. Bolton is known as one of the most hawkish voices in US foreign policy and has recently argued for a preventive strike on North Korea, Yonhap news agency reported. President Trump picked Bolton as his new NSA on Friday, replacing H.R. McMaster, shortly after he replaced Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with another hawk, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo last week. Both the decisions came after the US president accepted Kim's invitation to a summit, which the former said would take place before the end of May. He underscored that sooner the meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will happen, the issue of denuclearisation would be solved in a "concrete manner" and not by "theoretical discussion". Bolton served as the ambassador to the United Nations under former US President George W. Bush during parts of 2005 and 2006. He will take over as the new NSA on April 9.

North Korea buying time to develop nuclear weapons: Bolton

&nbsp;The newly appointed United States National Security Advisor (NSA), John Bolton, who had been a US ambassador to the United Nations, has had grave concerns about Pakistan&#39;s nuclear arsenal.

Last year, he said if Pakistan&#39;s nuclear arms fall into the hands of terrorists, it would be like NorthKorea or Iran on steroids.

&quot;Pakistan is a nuclear power and if it were to tip into terrorist control it would be like #NorthKorea or #Iran on steroids,&quot; Bolton tweeted last year.

Bolton, who was also an analyst on the Fox News Channel, is also of the opinion that more pressure should be exerted on Pakistan government to compel it to take action against terrorist groups operating from their territory.

&quot;Look, I think Afghanistan will be won or lost in Pakistan. And I certainly think that more pressure on the government there because of its support for terrorist groups, giving them safe haven in Pakistan is welcome,&quot; he said on the channel last year.

Yesterday, President Trump appointed Bolton as the NSA, replacing HR McMaster.

Bolton served as the ambassador to the United Nations under former US President George W Bush during parts of 2005 and 2006.&nbsp;

"Pakistan is a nuclear power and if it were to tip into terrorist control it would be like #NorthKorea or #Iran on steroids," Bolton tweeted last year

The newly appointed United States National Security Advisor (NSA), John Bolton, who had been a US ambassador to the United Nations, has had grave concerns about Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. Last year, he said if Pakistan's nuclear arms fall into the hands of terrorists, it would be like NorthKorea or Iran on steroids. "Pakistan is a nuclear power and if it were to tip into terrorist control it would be like #NorthKorea or #Iran on steroids," Bolton tweeted last year. Bolton, who was also an analyst on the Fox News Channel, is also of the opinion that more pressure should be exerted on Pakistan government to compel it to take action against terrorist groups operating from their territory. "Look, I think Afghanistan will be won or lost in Pakistan. And I certainly think that more pressure on the government there because of its support for terrorist groups, giving them safe haven in Pakistan is welcome," he said on the channel last year. Yesterday, President Trump appointed Bolton as the NSA, replacing HR McMaster. Bolton served as the ambassador to the United Nations under former US President George W Bush during parts of 2005 and 2006.

New US  National Security Advisor once compared Pak's nukes to 'North Korea on steroids'

North Korea has broken its silence on the diplomatic thaw with Washington and Seoul, saying it is driving the &quot;peace offensive&quot; and rejecting suggestions that sanctions forced it to the negotiating table.

The commentary from the state-run KCNA news agency came with a rapid rapprochement on the Korean peninsula underway, after a period of heightened tensions stoked by the missile and nuclear tests.

But as diplomats scurry to arrange two proposed summits - North-South talks followed by a face-to-face meet between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un - the North&#39;s silence had raised concerns over its intentions.

The KCNA commentary late Tuesday did not directly mention the summits but noted the &quot;dramatic atmosphere for reconciliation&quot; with the South and &quot;a sign of change&quot; with the US.&nbsp;

It said Pyongyang&#39;s overtures came from a position of strength, not from weakness, even as it confronts intense international pressure as well as biting economic sanctions over its nuclear weapons programme.

&quot;The dialogue peace offensive of the DPRK is an expression of self-confidence as it has acquired everything it desires,&quot; it said, using the North&#39;s official name.&nbsp;

It also slammed hawks in Washington, Seoul and Tokyo for questioning the sincerity and motivation behind the North&#39;s willingness to step back from the brink.

&quot;Such rubbish as &#39;result of sanctions and pressure&#39;... spread by hostile forces is just as meaningless as a dog barking at the moon,&quot; it said, urging &quot;prudence&quot; for all parties involved.

&quot;It is really an expression of small-mindedness for the riff-raffs to spoil the atmosphere and say this or that even before the parties concerned are given a chance to study the inner thoughts of the other side and are seated at a negotiating table,&quot; it said in typically colourful language.&nbsp;

Since floating the idea for a summit with the US, &quot;the North has been carefully watching how the situation is developing, including the US-South Korea joint military drills, before making it public to the people&quot;, Professor Kim Yong-hyun at Dongguk University told.

The South and the US announced Tuesday a plan to resume annual joint military exercises on April 1, with its main drill shortened by a month - in an apparent conciliatory gesture over an event that infuriates the North.

Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies said the North also needs time to prepare its people for a drastic policy turnaround toward the United States.

&quot;The North won&#39;t confirm the two summits until dates and venues are fixed and it needs to educate its people through party cells slowly for a policy U-turn&quot;, Yang said.

The North&#39;s state media has not reported any public activities by Kim since March 6, when it said he held talks with South Korean envoys.

Kim learned of South Korean President Moon Jae-in&#39;s intention for an inter-Korean summit from the envoys, exchanged views and made a &quot;satisfactory agreement,&quot; the North&#39;s KCNA said at that time.

Trump&#39;s announcement earlier this month that he was willing to meet with the North&#39;s young leader - after an invitation conveyed by envoys from the South - has triggered a flurry of diplomatic activity.

The North&#39;s foreign minister Ri Yong Ho met his counterpart from Sweden, which represents Washington&#39;s interests in North Korea, in Stockholm over the weekend, with reports saying they discussed the release of three Americans detained in the North.&nbsp;

Choe Kang Il, a senior Pyongyang diplomat handling ties with the US, is currently in Finland for discussions with the retired former US ambassador to Seoul, Kathleen Stephens.&nbsp;

Moon on Wednesday said a three-way summit including the two Koreas and the US could be possible, depending on the outcomes of the inter-Korean and US-North Korean summits.

&quot;We must completely resolve the issues of denuclearising the Korean Peninsula and establishing peace&quot;, he said.

North Korea says it is driving the 'peace offensive' and rejecting suggestions that sanctions forced it to the negotiating table

North Korea has broken its silence on the diplomatic thaw with Washington and Seoul, saying it is driving the "peace offensive" and rejecting suggestions that sanctions forced it to the negotiating table. The commentary from the state-run KCNA news agency came with a rapid rapprochement on the Korean peninsula underway, after a period of heightened tensions stoked by the missile and nuclear tests. But as diplomats scurry to arrange two proposed summits - North-South talks followed by a face-to-face meet between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un - the North's silence had raised concerns over its intentions. The KCNA commentary late Tuesday did not directly mention the summits but noted the "dramatic atmosphere for reconciliation" with the South and "a sign of change" with the US. It said Pyongyang's overtures came from a position of strength, not from weakness, even as it confronts intense international pressure as well as biting economic sanctions over its nuclear weapons programme. "The dialogue peace offensive of the DPRK is an expression of self-confidence as it has acquired everything it desires," it said, using the North's official name. It also slammed hawks in Washington, Seoul and Tokyo for questioning the sincerity and motivation behind the North's willingness to step back from the brink. "Such rubbish as 'result of sanctions and pressure'... spread by hostile forces is just as meaningless as a dog barking at the moon," it said, urging "prudence" for all parties involved. "It is really an expression of small-mindedness for the riff-raffs to spoil the atmosphere and say this or that even before the parties concerned are given a chance to study the inner thoughts of the other side and are seated at a negotiating table," it said in typically colourful language. Since floating the idea for a summit with the US, "the North has been carefully watching how the situation is developing, including the US-South Korea joint military drills, before making it public to the people", Professor Kim Yong-hyun at Dongguk University told. The South and the US announced Tuesday a plan to resume annual joint military exercises on April 1, with its main drill shortened by a month - in an apparent conciliatory gesture over an event that infuriates the North. Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies said the North also needs time to prepare its people for a drastic policy turnaround toward the United States. "The North won't confirm the two summits until dates and venues are fixed and it needs to educate its people through party cells slowly for a policy U-turn", Yang said. The North's state media has not reported any public activities by Kim since March 6, when it said he held talks with South Korean envoys. Kim learned of South Korean President Moon Jae-in's intention for an inter-Korean summit from the envoys, exchanged views and made a "satisfactory agreement," the North's KCNA said at that time. Trump's announcement earlier this month that he was willing to meet with the North's young leader - after an invitation conveyed by envoys from the South - has triggered a flurry of diplomatic activity. The North's foreign minister Ri Yong Ho met his counterpart from Sweden, which represents Washington's interests in North Korea, in Stockholm over the weekend, with reports saying they discussed the release of three Americans detained in the North. Choe Kang Il, a senior Pyongyang diplomat handling ties with the US, is currently in Finland for discussions with the retired former US ambassador to Seoul, Kathleen Stephens. Moon on Wednesday said a three-way summit including the two Koreas and the US could be possible, depending on the outcomes of the inter-Korean and US-North Korean summits. "We must completely resolve the issues of denuclearising the Korean Peninsula and establishing peace", he said.

North Korea denies sanctions prompted diplomatic thaw

Planning a foreign trip would require a lot of thought and groundwork but not for this guy who booked an Ola from Bangalore to North Korea.&nbsp;

And if that was not bizarre enough, Ola actually billed him Rs 1.40 lakhs for the journey!&nbsp;

Rohit Menda, who took to Twitter and share the screenshots of the whole booking seemed equally shocked at this odd incident.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
How is this possible <a href="https://twitter.com/Olacabs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Olacabs</a> a trip to North Korea? 
Please check your systems.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ola?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ola</a> <a href="https://t.co/wi92DObwGp">pic.twitter.com/wi92DObwGp</a>
&mdash; Rohit Menda (@dynamitedroid) <a href="https://twitter.com/dynamitedroid/status/975081056003964928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

But Ola cabs was quick to respond saying that the booking was a technical glitch from their end and suggested him to restart his phone.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
This seems to be a technical glitch. Please restart the phone and try again.
&mdash; Ola Support (@ola_supports) <a href="https://twitter.com/ola_supports/status/975083733941448704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

Ola cabs was quick to respond saying that the booking was a technical glitch from their end and suggested him to restart his phone

Planning a foreign trip would require a lot of thought and groundwork but not for this guy who booked an Ola from Bangalore to North Korea. And if that was not bizarre enough, Ola actually billed him Rs 1.40 lakhs for the journey! Rohit Menda, who took to Twitter and share the screenshots of the whole booking seemed equally shocked at this odd incident. How is this possible @Olacabs a trip to North Korea? Please check your systems.#Ola pic.twitter.com/wi92DObwGp — Rohit Menda (@dynamitedroid) March 17, 2018 × But Ola cabs was quick to respond saying that the booking was a technical glitch from their end and suggested him to restart his phone. This seems to be a technical glitch. Please restart the phone and try again. — Ola Support (@ola_supports) March 17, 2018 ×

Man books Ola cab from Bangalore to North Korea for Rs 1.40 lakh

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-wins-another-term-but-what-happens-in-2024-36289" target="_blank">Russia&#39;s Putin wins yet another term but what happens in 2024?</a>

In power for almost two decades, Vladimir Putin predictably won a fourth Kremlin term in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/putin-wins-fourth-term-with-739-of-vote-36284" target="_blank">Russia&#39;s presidential election</a>&nbsp;on Sunday, extending his long rule for another six years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ysr-congress-tdp-to-pitch-for-no-trust-vote-against-government-today-36300" target="_blank">YSR Congress, TDP to pitch for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ysr-congress-tdp-to-pitch-for-no-trust-vote-against-government-today-36300" target="_blank">no-trust</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ysr-congress-tdp-to-pitch-for-no-trust-vote-against-government-today-36300" target="_blank"> vote against </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ysr-congress-tdp-to-pitch-for-no-trust-vote-against-government-today-36300" target="_blank">government</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ysr-congress-tdp-to-pitch-for-no-trust-vote-against-government-today-36300" target="_blank"> today</a>

The YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party will pitch for taking up their notices of no-confidence motion against the Modi government when the Lok Sabha meets today amid no signs of a let-up in the deadlock in its proceedings.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-has-given-his-word-on-denuclearisation-south-korea-36295" target="_blank">Kim Jong-un &#39;has given his word&#39; on denuclearisation: South Korea</a>

North Korea&#39;s Kim Jong-un has &quot;given his word&quot; that he is committed to denuclearisation, South Korea&#39;s foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha was quoted as saying on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ola-uber-on-strike-today-demand-better-earnings-36298" target="_blank">Ola, Uber on strike today, demand better earnings</a>

App-based&nbsp;cabs Ola and Uber will begin with a strike&nbsp;in Mumbai on Monday for an indefinite period. The strike has been called by Maharashtra Navnirman Vahtuk Sena, the&nbsp;transport wing of Raj Thackeray led MNS.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-donald-trump-sharpens-attacks-on-russia-probe-36285" target="_blank">US President Donald Trump sharpens attacks on Russia probe</a>

President Donald Trump Sunday intensified his attacks on Robert Mueller&#39;s Russia investigation as biased against him, but stopped just short of targeting the special counsel &mdash; whose ouster lawmakers warned would cross a &quot;massive red line.&quot;

&nbsp;

Russia's Putin wins yet another term but what happens in 2024? In power for almost two decades, Vladimir Putin predictably won a fourth Kremlin term in Russia's presidential election on Sunday, extending his long rule for another six years. YSR Congress, TDP to pitch for no-trust vote against government today The YSR Congress and the Telugu Desam Party will pitch for taking up their notices of no-confidence motion against the Modi government when the Lok Sabha meets today amid no signs of a let-up in the deadlock in its proceedings. Kim Jong-un 'has given his word' on denuclearisation: South Korea North Korea's Kim Jong-un has "given his word" that he is committed to denuclearisation, South Korea's foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha was quoted as saying on Sunday. Ola, Uber on strike today, demand better earnings App-based cabs Ola and Uber will begin with a strike in Mumbai on Monday for an indefinite period. The strike has been called by Maharashtra Navnirman Vahtuk Sena, the transport wing of Raj Thackeray led MNS. US President Donald Trump sharpens attacks on Russia probe President Donald Trump Sunday intensified his attacks on Robert Mueller's Russia investigation as biased against him, but stopped just short of targeting the special counsel — whose ouster lawmakers warned would cross a "massive red line."

WION Morning News Brief, March 19, 2018

China is meddling in the internal affairs of the Maldives and engaged in massive land grabbing, posing a major security threat to India and the entire Indian Ocean region, a former Maldivian foreign minister and Opposition leader had said.

Ahmed Naseem, who is in the US to brief Trump administration officials on the political turmoil in the Maldives and China&#39;s alleged interference in the island nation, said his country is now a &quot;full-blown dictatorship&quot;.

&quot;China likes to tell the West not to meddle in the domestic affairs of Asian countries. But in the Maldives, China is only too happy to meddle in our domestic affairs, by corrupting the ruling elite and encouraging an authoritarian president to double down on repression,&quot; Naseem said yesterday addressing a gathering at top American think-tank South Asia Centre of Atlantic Council here.

The Maldives has been witnessing political crisis as President Abdulla Yameen declared an emergency in the island nation on February 5 after the Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely-criticised trials.

The emergency was extended for another 30 days on February 20. There has been international condemnation of the Maldivian government&#39;s moves.

&quot;Almost all the democratic gains that we made in recent years have been lost since President Yameen assumed power in 2013. Every opposition leader is in jail, or exile. The military has stormed, and now occupies, the parliament,&quot; he said.

Asserting that the Maldives is now a &quot;full-blown dictatorship&quot;, Naseem, who is also vice chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Maldivian Democratic Party, said, &quot;It&#39;s difficult to believe that President Yameen would have dared to do all this, defying India and the West -- without the implicit support of his new best friend in Beijing.&quot;

He said that Beijing likes dictatorships because &quot;dictators are easier to bribe, and dictatorships are easier to seduce into a Chinese debt trap.&quot;

&quot;This facilitates China&#39;s primary goal which is a land grab. More specifically, China appears to be keen on building a base in the Maldives which one day may house warships and submarines,&nbsp;Naseem alleged.

&quot;China&#39;s standard prescription for a land grab have been&nbsp;change state type to autocracy, dismantle transparency and democratic oversight, acquire infrastructure projects, very often vanity projects; roads that lead to nowhere, bridges that don&#39;t bridge.

&quot;Prices of these projects are often extremely inflated, and financed through commercial loans or supplier credit. The receiving country, therefore, cannot pay back the debt, and that debt is used as a disciplining regime,&quot; he alleged.

Calling it a &quot;classic case of debt trap&quot;, he said, &quot;When countries can&#39;t pay back the debt, they ask for equity and we end up relinquishing sovereignty. Without firing a single shot, China has grabbed more land than the East India Company.&quot;

Describing this as a dangerous situation, Naseem said that this affects not just the Maldives, but the security and stability of the entire Indian Ocean region.

&quot;In particular, China&#39;s actions are undermining India&#39;s security concerns. What is happening in the Maldives is not just about democracy. It&#39;s about peace, stability, and security of entire neighbourhood,&nbsp;he said.

Naseem alleged that Yameen&#39;s &quot;criminal activities&quot; undermine the US-led, rule-based international system.

Last month, a Maldivian oil tanker was photographed by the Japanese air force engaged in suspected sanction-busting activities, he said.

The Maldivian government furiously denied any involvement in the incident, claiming the tanker was using a fake Maldivian flag.

But since then, the tanker has been connected to the Maldives where it is registered&nbsp;and also to President Yameen&#39;s family, he said.

&quot;We have now learned that a member of Yameen&#39;s family used the tanker as collateral in an application for a USD 4 million mortgage at the Bank of Maldives.

&quot;The opposition believes that Yameen has a fleet of 27 oil tankers, which are being used to systematically bust UN sanctions on North Korea. This business model is nothing new for President Yameen. In the early 2000s, he was documented selling bootleg oil to the Burmese junta, in breach of then UN sanctions,&nbsp;Naseem said.

So this is the problem we face in the Maldives. China is propping up, and actively encouraging a criminal regime, which is busy dismantling the institutions of democracy to cement his rule, and busy selling off the country to Beijing,&quot; the former foreign minister said.

Naseem warned the Washington audience that the Maldives is becoming more volatile, more lawless, and more in the grip of Islamic extremists.

&quot;I don&#39;t think things are going to end well, unless this regime can be brought to a swift end and democracy restored,&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

China is meddling in the internal affairs of the Maldives and engaged in massive land grabbing, posing a major security threat to India and the entire Indian Ocean region, a former Maldivian foreign minister and Opposition leader had said

China is meddling in the internal affairs of the Maldives and engaged in massive land grabbing, posing a major security threat to India and the entire Indian Ocean region, a former Maldivian foreign minister and Opposition leader had said. Ahmed Naseem, who is in the US to brief Trump administration officials on the political turmoil in the Maldives and China's alleged interference in the island nation, said his country is now a "full-blown dictatorship". "China likes to tell the West not to meddle in the domestic affairs of Asian countries. But in the Maldives, China is only too happy to meddle in our domestic affairs, by corrupting the ruling elite and encouraging an authoritarian president to double down on repression," Naseem said yesterday addressing a gathering at top American think-tank South Asia Centre of Atlantic Council here. The Maldives has been witnessing political crisis as President Abdulla Yameen declared an emergency in the island nation on February 5 after the Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely-criticised trials. The emergency was extended for another 30 days on February 20. There has been international condemnation of the Maldivian government's moves. "Almost all the democratic gains that we made in recent years have been lost since President Yameen assumed power in 2013. Every opposition leader is in jail, or exile. The military has stormed, and now occupies, the parliament," he said. Asserting that the Maldives is now a "full-blown dictatorship", Naseem, who is also vice chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Maldivian Democratic Party, said, "It's difficult to believe that President Yameen would have dared to do all this, defying India and the West -- without the implicit support of his new best friend in Beijing." He said that Beijing likes dictatorships because "dictators are easier to bribe, and dictatorships are easier to seduce into a Chinese debt trap." "This facilitates China's primary goal which is a land grab. More specifically, China appears to be keen on building a base in the Maldives which one day may house warships and submarines, Naseem alleged. "China's standard prescription for a land grab have been change state type to autocracy, dismantle transparency and democratic oversight, acquire infrastructure projects, very often vanity projects; roads that lead to nowhere, bridges that don't bridge. "Prices of these projects are often extremely inflated, and financed through commercial loans or supplier credit. The receiving country, therefore, cannot pay back the debt, and that debt is used as a disciplining regime," he alleged. Calling it a "classic case of debt trap", he said, "When countries can't pay back the debt, they ask for equity and we end up relinquishing sovereignty. Without firing a single shot, China has grabbed more land than the East India Company." Describing this as a dangerous situation, Naseem said that this affects not just the Maldives, but the security and stability of the entire Indian Ocean region. "In particular, China's actions are undermining India's security concerns. What is happening in the Maldives is not just about democracy. It's about peace, stability, and security of entire neighbourhood, he said. Naseem alleged that Yameen's "criminal activities" undermine the US-led, rule-based international system. Last month, a Maldivian oil tanker was photographed by the Japanese air force engaged in suspected sanction-busting activities, he said. The Maldivian government furiously denied any involvement in the incident, claiming the tanker was using a fake Maldivian flag. But since then, the tanker has been connected to the Maldives where it is registered and also to President Yameen's family, he said. "We have now learned that a member of Yameen's family used the tanker as collateral in an application for a USD 4 million mortgage at the Bank of Maldives. "The opposition believes that Yameen has a fleet of 27 oil tankers, which are being used to systematically bust UN sanctions on North Korea. This business model is nothing new for President Yameen. In the early 2000s, he was documented selling bootleg oil to the Burmese junta, in breach of then UN sanctions, Naseem said. So this is the problem we face in the Maldives. China is propping up, and actively encouraging a criminal regime, which is busy dismantling the institutions of democracy to cement his rule, and busy selling off the country to Beijing," the former foreign minister said. Naseem warned the Washington audience that the Maldives is becoming more volatile, more lawless, and more in the grip of Islamic extremists. "I don't think things are going to end well, unless this regime can be brought to a swift end and democracy restored, he said.

China meddling in Maldives' internal affairs: Former foreign minister Ahmed Naseem

North Korea&rsquo;s foreign minister landed in Sweden on Thursday for talks, prompting speculation that the two-day trip could lay the groundwork for a possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

A Swedish Foreign Ministry spokesman said Ri Yong Ho was in Stockholm to discuss with Swedish counterpart Margot Wallstrom the security situation on the Korean peninsula and Sweden&rsquo;s diplomatic representation of the United States in North Korea.

Sweden, which is not a member of the US-led NATO military alliance, has been mentioned as a potential location for a possible face-to-face meeting between Trump and Kim.

&ldquo;If it is the case that the main players want Sweden to play a role, to facilitate, to be a forum or a link or whatever else, we are prepared to do that,&rdquo; Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told Swedish news agency TT.

&ldquo;But it must be the main players who decide, in that case, what role Sweden will have.&rdquo;

North Korean state media confirmed Ri&rsquo;s trip on Friday, saying he had flown to Sweden to speak with his counterpart on &ldquo;bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern&rdquo;. It did not mention engagement with the United States.

US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told a regular news briefing in Washington she was aware of the Stockholm meeting but the United States would not take part.

&ldquo;We don&rsquo;t have any information that that meeting is about what we anticipate to be a meeting between the United States, other parties, and North Korea,&rdquo; she said, referring this question to the Swedish government.

&ldquo;We are not sending any representation,&rdquo; she added.

Nauert said the United States was preparing for a possible summit with North Korea in good faith but had yet to hear directly from North Korea on the matter.

With a diplomatic presence in Pyongyang that goes back to the 1970s, Sweden may be able to help smooth the path for such a meeting, even if it does not end up hosting the talks.

&ldquo;This meeting will hopefully lead to clarity about what North Korea wants from a high-level meeting and what the time-frame is and what the conditions will be - for example, should there be any preliminary meetings,&rdquo; a source with knowledge of the situation said.

&ldquo;It is not even certain that North Korea wants to have a meeting.&rdquo;

The source said it was important to build confidence between Washington and Pyongyang, adding: &ldquo;The United States wants to have help with consular matters and North Korea wants to be sure that no one is going to invade.&rdquo;

Since Trump&rsquo;s surprise announcement last week that he was willing to meet Kim, speculation has mounted over what location might be chosen to host what would be the first meeting between serving leaders of the two countries.

Sweden acts as a diplomatic representative in North Korea for the United States, which has no embassy there and has helped with the release of US citizens held by the reclusive state.

In its statement, Sweden&rsquo;s foreign ministry noted that the UN Security Council had unanimously condemned North Korea&rsquo;s nuclear weapons and missile programmes and demanded their &ldquo;complete, verifiable and irrevocable elimination&rdquo;.

&ldquo;Sweden fully supports the Security Council resolutions. The aim of the visit is to contribute to the effective implementation of the resolutions,&rdquo; the ministry said.

Ri landed in Sweden on Thursday for talks, prompting speculation that the two-day trip could lay the groundwork for a possible meeting between Trump and Kim Jong Un

North Korea’s foreign minister landed in Sweden on Thursday for talks, prompting speculation that the two-day trip could lay the groundwork for a possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A Swedish Foreign Ministry spokesman said Ri Yong Ho was in Stockholm to discuss with Swedish counterpart Margot Wallstrom the security situation on the Korean peninsula and Sweden’s diplomatic representation of the United States in North Korea. Sweden, which is not a member of the US-led NATO military alliance, has been mentioned as a potential location for a possible face-to-face meeting between Trump and Kim. “If it is the case that the main players want Sweden to play a role, to facilitate, to be a forum or a link or whatever else, we are prepared to do that,” Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told Swedish news agency TT. “But it must be the main players who decide, in that case, what role Sweden will have.” North Korean state media confirmed Ri’s trip on Friday, saying he had flown to Sweden to speak with his counterpart on “bilateral relations and issues of mutual concern”. It did not mention engagement with the United States. US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told a regular news briefing in Washington she was aware of the Stockholm meeting but the United States would not take part. “We don’t have any information that that meeting is about what we anticipate to be a meeting between the United States, other parties, and North Korea,” she said, referring this question to the Swedish government. “We are not sending any representation,” she added. Nauert said the United States was preparing for a possible summit with North Korea in good faith but had yet to hear directly from North Korea on the matter. With a diplomatic presence in Pyongyang that goes back to the 1970s, Sweden may be able to help smooth the path for such a meeting, even if it does not end up hosting the talks. “This meeting will hopefully lead to clarity about what North Korea wants from a high-level meeting and what the time-frame is and what the conditions will be - for example, should there be any preliminary meetings,” a source with knowledge of the situation said. “It is not even certain that North Korea wants to have a meeting.” The source said it was important to build confidence between Washington and Pyongyang, adding: “The United States wants to have help with consular matters and North Korea wants to be sure that no one is going to invade.” Since Trump’s surprise announcement last week that he was willing to meet Kim, speculation has mounted over what location might be chosen to host what would be the first meeting between serving leaders of the two countries. Sweden acts as a diplomatic representative in North Korea for the United States, which has no embassy there and has helped with the release of US citizens held by the reclusive state. In its statement, Sweden’s foreign ministry noted that the UN Security Council had unanimously condemned North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programmes and demanded their “complete, verifiable and irrevocable elimination”. “Sweden fully supports the Security Council resolutions. The aim of the visit is to contribute to the effective implementation of the resolutions,” the ministry said.

North Korean foreign minister arrives in Sweden

Gold prices rose on Wednesday to a one-week high on a weaker dollar following US&nbsp;Secretary of State Rex Tillerson&#39;s sudden dismissal, which invigorated concerns of protectionist policies hampering global risk appetite.

Spot gold rose 0.12 per cent to $1,327.56 per ounce at 0402 GMT. It touched $1,329.22 an ounce during the session, its highest since March 7.

US&nbsp;gold futures for April delivery rose 0.09 per cent to $1,328.20 per ounce.

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump fired Tillerson after a series of public rifts over policy on North Korea, Russia and Iran, replacing his chief diplomat with loyalist CIA Director Mike Pompeo.

Risk aversion is back on the table following the unexpected news of Tillerson&#39;s dismissal and the appointment of Pompeo, said OCBC analyst Barnabas Gan.

&quot;Pompeo is a supporter of Trump&#39;s trade policy and could help advance his agenda of imposing it on US&nbsp;trading partners ... all this uncertainty and risk aversion leaves gold as a safe haven option,&quot; Gan added.

The US&nbsp;dollar wallowed against the yen and other major currencies after the dismissal of Tillerson. This killed off an earlier bounce in the currency.

A weaker dollar makes bullion, which is used as an alternative investment during times of political and financial uncertainty, cheaper for holders of other currencies.

&quot;With the US.= protectionist rhetoric likely to ring equity market alarm bells, gold should continue to be an ideal hedge in this highly unpredictable environment,&quot; said Stephen Innes, APAC trading head at OANDA.

Asian shares eased on Wednesday amid fears of rising US&nbsp;protectionism.

Meanwhile, data on Tuesday showed US&nbsp;consumer prices cooled in February amid a decline in gasoline prices and a moderation in the cost of rental accommodation, the latest indication that an anticipated pickup in inflation probably will be only gradual.

Inflation is a key economic factor the US&nbsp;central bank considers when deciding monetary policy. A strong US&nbsp;inflation reading could raise expectations for future interest rate increases, which would put pressure on non-yielding bullion.

&quot;The 0.2 per cent increase in consumer price index suggests it won&#39;t be enough to spur more rate hikes by the Fed than already expected,&quot; ANZ analysts said in a note.

Spot gold may rise to $1,334 per ounce, as it has cleared a resistance at $1,327, according to&nbsp;Technical analyst Wang Tao.

In other precious metals, silver rose 0.5 per cent to $16.62 per ounce.

Platinum gained 0.3 per cent to $964.50 per ounce and Palladium edged 0.1 per cent higher to $991.47 per ounce.

Spot gold rose 0.12 percent to $1,327.56 per ounce at 0402 GMT. It touched $1,329.22 an ounce during the session, its highest since March 7

Gold prices rose on Wednesday to a one-week high on a weaker dollar following US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's sudden dismissal, which invigorated concerns of protectionist policies hampering global risk appetite. Spot gold rose 0.12 per cent to $1,327.56 per ounce at 0402 GMT. It touched $1,329.22 an ounce during the session, its highest since March 7. US gold futures for April delivery rose 0.09 per cent to $1,328.20 per ounce. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump fired Tillerson after a series of public rifts over policy on North Korea, Russia and Iran, replacing his chief diplomat with loyalist CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Risk aversion is back on the table following the unexpected news of Tillerson's dismissal and the appointment of Pompeo, said OCBC analyst Barnabas Gan. "Pompeo is a supporter of Trump's trade policy and could help advance his agenda of imposing it on US trading partners ... all this uncertainty and risk aversion leaves gold as a safe haven option," Gan added. The US dollar wallowed against the yen and other major currencies after the dismissal of Tillerson. This killed off an earlier bounce in the currency. A weaker dollar makes bullion, which is used as an alternative investment during times of political and financial uncertainty, cheaper for holders of other currencies. "With the US.= protectionist rhetoric likely to ring equity market alarm bells, gold should continue to be an ideal hedge in this highly unpredictable environment," said Stephen Innes, APAC trading head at OANDA. Asian shares eased on Wednesday amid fears of rising US protectionism. Meanwhile, data on Tuesday showed US consumer prices cooled in February amid a decline in gasoline prices and a moderation in the cost of rental accommodation, the latest indication that an anticipated pickup in inflation probably will be only gradual. Inflation is a key economic factor the US central bank considers when deciding monetary policy. A strong US inflation reading could raise expectations for future interest rate increases, which would put pressure on non-yielding bullion. "The 0.2 per cent increase in consumer price index suggests it won't be enough to spur more rate hikes by the Fed than already expected," ANZ analysts said in a note. Spot gold may rise to $1,334 per ounce, as it has cleared a resistance at $1,327, according to Technical analyst Wang Tao. In other precious metals, silver rose 0.5 per cent to $16.62 per ounce. Platinum gained 0.3 per cent to $964.50 per ounce and Palladium edged 0.1 per cent higher to $991.47 per ounce.

Gold rises on increasing US protectionism concerns

Japan is considering a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, local media reported, as diplomatic efforts to engage Pyongyang ramp up.

The reports come after the surprise announcement that US President Donald Trump plans his own talks with the North Korean leader, part of fast-paced diplomatic developments following an Olympic detente.

However, there have been no public proposals of talks by either Pyongyang or Tokyo.&nbsp;

Japan&#39;s Kyodo news agency reported a potential Abe-Kim summit late Tuesday, citing unnamed government sources who said the talks could be part of a new approach by Tokyo to dealing with the North.

Hours later, Jiji Press reported a similar story, saying Tokyo fears being left behind in dealing with the North if talks proceed between the isolated nation and South Korea and Washington without Japan&#39;s involvement.

&nbsp;A&nbsp;foreign ministry spokeswoman said she could not confirm any concrete plans for a summit.

But she added &quot;we will be studying our policies from the viewpoint of what is most effective&quot; to resolve the issues of North Korea&#39;s nuclear and missile programmes as well as the abduction of Japanese citizens by Pyongyang.

Earlier this week, South Korean envoy Suh Hoon visited Tokyo to brief Japan&#39;s leadership on the fast-moving diplomatic process that saw an announcement last week of a historic US-North Korea summit to discuss Pyongyang&#39;s denuclearisation.

Suh, the chief of South Korea&#39;s National Intelligence Service, on Tuesday met with Abe but it was unclear if he brought a message from the North Korean leader to propose a summit with Japan.

Media reports and experts say Tokyo fears it may be left out of developments around North Korea, and worries that the issue of abducted Japanese citizens is being sidelined.

But the possibility of an Abe-Kim summit also comes as the Japanese premier faces a growing scandal at home over the sale of government land to one of his supporters, and an apparent cover-up of the deal by the finance ministry.

Abe rose to political prominence on his calls for a tough line on North Korea, particularly over its abductions of Japanese citizens.

Japan, a close US ally in the region, is in the &nbsp;firing line of North Korean missiles and saw two fly over its territory in 2017, sparking outrage and lifting tensions to fever pitch.

The last Japanese prime minister to meet a North Korean leader was Junichiro Koizumi, who met Kim&#39;s father Kim Jung Il in Pyongyang in 2004.

Japan is considering a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

Japan is considering a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, local media reported, as diplomatic efforts to engage Pyongyang ramp up. The reports come after the surprise announcement that US President Donald Trump plans his own talks with the North Korean leader, part of fast-paced diplomatic developments following an Olympic detente. However, there have been no public proposals of talks by either Pyongyang or Tokyo. Japan's Kyodo news agency reported a potential Abe-Kim summit late Tuesday, citing unnamed government sources who said the talks could be part of a new approach by Tokyo to dealing with the North. Hours later, Jiji Press reported a similar story, saying Tokyo fears being left behind in dealing with the North if talks proceed between the isolated nation and South Korea and Washington without Japan's involvement. A foreign ministry spokeswoman said she could not confirm any concrete plans for a summit. But she added "we will be studying our policies from the viewpoint of what is most effective" to resolve the issues of North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes as well as the abduction of Japanese citizens by Pyongyang. Earlier this week, South Korean envoy Suh Hoon visited Tokyo to brief Japan's leadership on the fast-moving diplomatic process that saw an announcement last week of a historic US-North Korea summit to discuss Pyongyang's denuclearisation. Suh, the chief of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, on Tuesday met with Abe but it was unclear if he brought a message from the North Korean leader to propose a summit with Japan. Media reports and experts say Tokyo fears it may be left out of developments around North Korea, and worries that the issue of abducted Japanese citizens is being sidelined. But the possibility of an Abe-Kim summit also comes as the Japanese premier faces a growing scandal at home over the sale of government land to one of his supporters, and an apparent cover-up of the deal by the finance ministry. Abe rose to political prominence on his calls for a tough line on North Korea, particularly over its abductions of Japanese citizens. Japan, a close US ally in the region, is in the firing line of North Korean missiles and saw two fly over its territory in 2017, sparking outrage and lifting tensions to fever pitch. The last Japanese prime minister to meet a North Korean leader was Junichiro Koizumi, who met Kim's father Kim Jung Il in Pyongyang in 2004.

Japan's Abe weighing talks with North Korea's Kim: Reports

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended indefinitely till the judgement is pronounced the compulsory linking of Aadhaar numbers with bank accounts and mobile phones.

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US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that that CIA Director was taking over from Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State.&nbsp;Trump added that Gina Haspel would lead the CIA.&nbsp;

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At least nine CRPF personnel were killed and three others injured when Maoists blew up an anti-landmine vehicle in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, said a senior police official.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-bidya-devi-bhandari-re-elected-to-second-term-in-office-35685" target="_blank">Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari re-elected to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-bidya-devi-bhandari-re-elected-to-second-term-in-office-35685" target="_blank">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-bidya-devi-bhandari-re-elected-to-second-term-in-office-35685" target="_blank"> term in office</a>

Nepal&#39;s first woman president Bidya Devi Bhandari was today re-elected for a second term in office.&nbsp;Incumbent President Bhandari defeated Nepali Congress leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with an overwhelming majority in the presidential election.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japan-considers-seeking-summit-between-pm-abe-and-north-korea-leader-source-35690" target="_blank">Japan considers seeking summit between PM Abe and North Korea leader: Source</a>

Japan is considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago, a government source who was briefed on the matter said on Tuesday.&#39;

&nbsp;

Supreme Court: Compulsory linking of Aadhaar with bank accounts, mobiles extended indefinitely The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended indefinitely till the judgement is pronounced the compulsory linking of Aadhaar numbers with bank accounts and mobile phones. Trump ousts Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, CIA director Mike Pompeo to take over from him US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that that CIA Director was taking over from Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. Trump added that Gina Haspel would lead the CIA. Nine CRPF jawans killed in Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district At least nine CRPF personnel were killed and three others injured when Maoists blew up an anti-landmine vehicle in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, said a senior police official. Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari re-elected to second term in office Nepal's first woman president Bidya Devi Bhandari was today re-elected for a second term in office. Incumbent President Bhandari defeated Nepali Congress leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with an overwhelming majority in the presidential election. Japan considers seeking summit between PM Abe and North Korea leader: Source Japan is considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago, a government source who was briefed on the matter said on Tuesday.'

WION Evening News Brief, March 13, 2018

Japan is considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago, a government source who was briefed on the matter said on Tuesday.&#39;

He declined to be identified because he is not authorised to speak to the media. A spokesman for the prime minister`s office had no immediate comment.

Abe has made the abductions a keystone of his political career and has said he would not rest until all 13 of the people North Korea admitted to kidnapping have returned and divulges information about the others Japan suspects were taken to train North Korean spies.

A spokesman for the prime minister`s office had no immediate comment.

Japan is considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago, a government source who was briefed on the matter said on Tuesday.' He declined to be identified because he is not authorised to speak to the media. A spokesman for the prime minister`s office had no immediate comment. Abe has made the abductions a keystone of his political career and has said he would not rest until all 13 of the people North Korea admitted to kidnapping have returned and divulges information about the others Japan suspects were taken to train North Korean spies.

Japan considers seeking summit between PM Abe and North Korea leader: Source

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President Donald Trump predicted &quot;tremendous success&quot; today in upcoming groundbreaking talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, adding that the reclusive state had promised not to shoot missiles in the interim. The comments came after the American leader said he has received encouragement from the leaders of China and Japan as he moves toward the high stakes summit, announced suddenly this week.

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The CBI on Saturday brought Karti Chidambaram and S Bhaskararaman, Karti&#39;s chartered accountant, face-to-face. Bhaskararaman, who handled all the business dealings and finance of Karti, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last month. The agency had on Friday extended Karti&#39;s custody to make him confront his CA.

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Congress President Rahul Gandhi today said that he and his sister Priyanka Gandhi have &quot;completely forgiven&quot; his father Rajiv Gandhi&#39;s killers. During his interaction with IIM alumni in Singapore, Gandhi, when asked if he and his sister Priyanka had forgiven his father&#39;s killers, said: &quot;We were very upset and hurt and for many years we were quite angry. But, somehow, completely...In fact, completely (forgiven).&quot;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-gorakhpur-phulpur-constituencies-to-go-for-polls-shortly-35344">Uttar Pradesh </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-gorakhpur-phulpur-constituencies-to-go-for-polls-shortly-35344">bypoll</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/uttar-pradesh-gorakhpur-phulpur-constituencies-to-go-for-polls-shortly-35344">: CM Yogi Adityanath casts vote as voting begins in Gorakhpur, Phulpur</a>

Uttar Pradesh&rsquo;s Gorakhpur and Phulpur parliamentary constituencies will go to polls on Sunday morning amid tight security. The elections were necessitated due to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya vacating their respective seats in Gorakhpur and Phulpur constituencies after they were elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council.

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Jeff Bezos is officially the richest person on the planet thanks to the success of Amazon -- but his bold vision extends to space and even time itself. With Amazon&#39;s share price up nearly 60 percent during the past year, the personal wealth of the company&#39;s 54-year-old founder has doubled to more than $110 billion.

Trump optimistic about N Korea talks, says 'it'll work out' President Donald Trump predicted "tremendous success" today in upcoming groundbreaking talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, adding that the reclusive state had promised not to shoot missiles in the interim. The comments came after the American leader said he has received encouragement from the leaders of China and Japan as he moves toward the high stakes summit, announced suddenly this week. INX media case: Karti Chidambaram, his CA brought face-to-face in Tihar Jail The CBI on Saturday brought Karti Chidambaram and S Bhaskararaman, Karti's chartered accountant, face-to-face. Bhaskararaman, who handled all the business dealings and finance of Karti, was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last month. The agency had on Friday extended Karti's custody to make him confront his CA. Me, my sister have 'completely forgiven' father's killers: Rahul Gandhi Congress President Rahul Gandhi today said that he and his sister Priyanka Gandhi have "completely forgiven" his father Rajiv Gandhi's killers. During his interaction with IIM alumni in Singapore, Gandhi, when asked if he and his sister Priyanka had forgiven his father's killers, said: "We were very upset and hurt and for many years we were quite angry. But, somehow, completely...In fact, completely (forgiven)." Uttar Pradesh bypoll: CM Yogi Adityanath casts vote as voting begins in Gorakhpur, Phulpur Uttar Pradesh’s Gorakhpur and Phulpur parliamentary constituencies will go to polls on Sunday morning amid tight security. The elections were necessitated due to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya vacating their respective seats in Gorakhpur and Phulpur constituencies after they were elected to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council. Jeff Bezos rockets to richest person on the planet Jeff Bezos is officially the richest person on the planet thanks to the success of Amazon -- but his bold vision extends to space and even time itself. With Amazon's share price up nearly 60 percent during the past year, the personal wealth of the company's 54-year-old founder has doubled to more than $110 billion.

WION Morning News Brief, March 10, 2018

U.S. President Donald Trump&#39;s condition for meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is that there be no nuclear or missile testing, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said on Sunday.

&quot;There shouldn&#39;t be confusion,&quot; Mnuchin told NBC&#39;s &quot;Meet the Press&quot; program, when asked about White House press secretary Sarah Sanders&#39; statement on Friday that there would be no meeting without concrete and verifiable actions by North Korea.

&quot;The president has made it clear that the conditions are that there&#39;s no nuclear testing and there&#39;s no missiles and those will be a condition through the meeting.&quot;

After months of escalating tensions over North Korea&#39;s advancing nuclear and missile programs, Trump decided on Thursday to become the first sitting U.S. president to meet with North Korea&#39;s leader.

On Saturday, Trump said his meeting could fizzle without an agreement or it could result in &quot;the greatest deal for the world&quot; with a denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Mnuchin dismissed criticism that Trump&#39;s decision to meet elevates the North Korean leader&#39;s international standing. He said the Republican president has also been criticized for not using more diplomacy to contain Pyongyang&#39;s nuclear ambitions.

&quot;Now we have a situation where the president is using diplomacy but we&#39;re not removing the maximum pressure campaign,&quot; Mnuchin said. &quot;That&#39;s the big difference here. The sanctions are staying on. The defence posture is staying the same as it is, so the president is going to sit down and see if he can cut a deal.&quot;

Mnuchin said denuclearisation of the peninsula is the objective of a meeting between the two leaders.

&quot;We&#39;ve been very clear ... that&#39;s the objective and that&#39;s what we&#39;re going to accomplish,&quot; he said.

He said he was confident the meeting would take place.

'The president has made it clear that the conditions are that there's no nuclear testing and there's no missiles and those will be a condition through the meeting,' the Treasury Secretary said

U.S. President Donald Trump's condition for meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is that there be no nuclear or missile testing, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin said on Sunday. "There shouldn't be confusion," Mnuchin told NBC's "Meet the Press" program, when asked about White House press secretary Sarah Sanders' statement on Friday that there would be no meeting without concrete and verifiable actions by North Korea. "The president has made it clear that the conditions are that there's no nuclear testing and there's no missiles and those will be a condition through the meeting." After months of escalating tensions over North Korea's advancing nuclear and missile programs, Trump decided on Thursday to become the first sitting U.S. president to meet with North Korea's leader. On Saturday, Trump said his meeting could fizzle without an agreement or it could result in "the greatest deal for the world" with a denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Mnuchin dismissed criticism that Trump's decision to meet elevates the North Korean leader's international standing. He said the Republican president has also been criticized for not using more diplomacy to contain Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions. "Now we have a situation where the president is using diplomacy but we're not removing the maximum pressure campaign," Mnuchin said. "That's the big difference here. The sanctions are staying on. The defence posture is staying the same as it is, so the president is going to sit down and see if he can cut a deal." Mnuchin said denuclearisation of the peninsula is the objective of a meeting between the two leaders. "We've been very clear ... that's the objective and that's what we're going to accomplish," he said. He said he was confident the meeting would take place.

Trump's condition for Kim meeting is no nuclear, missile test: Mnuchin

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump will not meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unless Pyongyang takes &quot;concrete actions,&quot; the White House said on Friday as it faced criticism for agreeing to talks that would give North Korea international legitimacy.

&quot;The president will not have the meeting without seeing concrete steps and concrete actions take place by North Korea, so the president will actually be getting something,&quot; White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told a news briefing.

Sanders did not specify what actions North Korea needed to take, and a White House official later said she was not intending to set new conditions for talks with Kim.

But the comments were a sign that an end to a standoff between the two countries over North Korea&#39;s nuclear weapon program is not imminent.

The United States has long said it wants any talks to aim at Pyongyang abandoning its nuclear weapons and missile programs.

Hopes for a breakthrough with North Korea rose on Thursday when Trump said he was prepared to hold an unprecedented meeting with Kim.

The two leaders prompted jitters around the world last year as they exchanged bellicose insults over the North&#39;s attempts to develop a nuclear weapon capable of hitting the United States. Pyongyang has pursued its nuclear program in defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

But tension eased around last month&#39;s Winter Olympics in South Korea, laying the groundwork for what would be the first meeting between leaders from North Korea and the United States, and the biggest foreign policy gamble for Trump since he took office in January last year.

The head of South Korea&#39;s National Security Office, Chung Eui-yong, speaking in Washington on Thursday after briefing Trump about a meeting South Korean officials held with Kim this week, said the US&nbsp;president had agreed to meet the North Korean leader by May in response to an invitation from Kim.

Kim had &quot;committed to denuclearization&quot; and to suspending nuclear and missile tests, Chung said.

Buying time?

A senior State Department official said the talks would likely only be a preliminary discussion about holding future negotiations.

&quot;The expectation is that the talks would lead to a discussion around a conclusion that we&#39;re ready to engage in negotiations,&quot; the official said.

Trump&#39;s sudden decision to meet with Kim stunned even people in his own administration.

Sanders&#39; comments seemed aimed at criticism in the United States that Trump took a misstep by agreeing to talks - thus giving Pyongyang the international legitimacy it seeks - but without earning any big concessions from the North.

&quot;The Administration must go into any meeting with a plan to ensure that negotiations with Kim Jong-un produce real results, not a photo op that lends legitimacy to North Korea&rsquo;s murderous regime,&rdquo; US&nbsp;Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat who is vice chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, said in a statement.

Some US&nbsp;officials and experts worry North Korea could buy time to build up and refine its nuclear arsenal if it drags out talks with Washington.

A White House official said Trump remained committed to a meeting with Kim based on the conditions laid out by South Korea on Thursday: that Kim is committed to denuclearization, will refrain from any further nuclear or missile tests, and understands that US-South Korean military exercises must continue.

&ldquo;(The North Koreans) are saying the right things and we&rsquo;re going to listen to them at the table and we&rsquo;re going to see where this leads,&rdquo; the official said.

No venue or date has been announced for the summit, which is expected to be held in May. Neutral Switzerland, which often hosts summits, said it was ready to facilitate the meeting.

China welcomes talks

A Trump-Kim summit would be a major turnaround after a year in which North Korea has carried out a battery of missile tests that Washington sees as provocative and after a barrage of insults between the two leaders.

US-based experts say North Korea appeared to show last November that it has succeeded in developing a missile capable of delivering a nuclear weapon anywhere in the United States.

Trump has derided Kim as a &quot;maniac,&quot; referred to him as &quot;little rocket man&quot; and threatened in a speech last year to &quot;totally destroy&quot; North Korea, a country of 26 million people, if it attacked the United States or one of its allies.

Kim responded by calling Trump a &quot;mentally deranged US&nbsp;dotard.&quot;

The Trump administration has led a worldwide push to tighten international sanctions on North Korea to choke off resources needed for its weapons programs.

World leaders welcomed prospects for a possible thaw in the Korea standoff including China, which is North Korea&#39;s largest trading partner and its sole major ally.

President Xi Jinping told Trump in a phone call on Friday that he appreciates his desire to resolve the North Korea issue politically, Chinese state media said.

Xi &quot;hopes the United States and North Korea start contacts and dialogue as soon as possible and strive to reach positive results,&quot; the report added.

Sarah Sanders did not specify what actions North Korea needed to take, and a White House official later said she was not intending to set new conditions for talks with Kim

US President Donald Trump will not meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unless Pyongyang takes "concrete actions," the White House said on Friday as it faced criticism for agreeing to talks that would give North Korea international legitimacy. "The president will not have the meeting without seeing concrete steps and concrete actions take place by North Korea, so the president will actually be getting something," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders told a news briefing. Sanders did not specify what actions North Korea needed to take, and a White House official later said she was not intending to set new conditions for talks with Kim. But the comments were a sign that an end to a standoff between the two countries over North Korea's nuclear weapon program is not imminent. The United States has long said it wants any talks to aim at Pyongyang abandoning its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Hopes for a breakthrough with North Korea rose on Thursday when Trump said he was prepared to hold an unprecedented meeting with Kim. The two leaders prompted jitters around the world last year as they exchanged bellicose insults over the North's attempts to develop a nuclear weapon capable of hitting the United States. Pyongyang has pursued its nuclear program in defiance of United Nations Security Council resolutions. But tension eased around last month's Winter Olympics in South Korea, laying the groundwork for what would be the first meeting between leaders from North Korea and the United States, and the biggest foreign policy gamble for Trump since he took office in January last year. The head of South Korea's National Security Office, Chung Eui-yong, speaking in Washington on Thursday after briefing Trump about a meeting South Korean officials held with Kim this week, said the US president had agreed to meet the North Korean leader by May in response to an invitation from Kim. Kim had "committed to denuclearization" and to suspending nuclear and missile tests, Chung said. Buying time? A senior State Department official said the talks would likely only be a preliminary discussion about holding future negotiations. "The expectation is that the talks would lead to a discussion around a conclusion that we're ready to engage in negotiations," the official said. Trump's sudden decision to meet with Kim stunned even people in his own administration. Sanders' comments seemed aimed at criticism in the United States that Trump took a misstep by agreeing to talks - thus giving Pyongyang the international legitimacy it seeks - but without earning any big concessions from the North. "The Administration must go into any meeting with a plan to ensure that negotiations with Kim Jong-un produce real results, not a photo op that lends legitimacy to North Korea’s murderous regime,” US Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat who is vice chairman of the Senate intelligence committee, said in a statement. Some US officials and experts worry North Korea could buy time to build up and refine its nuclear arsenal if it drags out talks with Washington. A White House official said Trump remained committed to a meeting with Kim based on the conditions laid out by South Korea on Thursday: that Kim is committed to denuclearization, will refrain from any further nuclear or missile tests, and understands that US-South Korean military exercises must continue. “(The North Koreans) are saying the right things and we’re going to listen to them at the table and we’re going to see where this leads,” the official said. No venue or date has been announced for the summit, which is expected to be held in May. Neutral Switzerland, which often hosts summits, said it was ready to facilitate the meeting. China welcomes talks A Trump-Kim summit would be a major turnaround after a year in which North Korea has carried out a battery of missile tests that Washington sees as provocative and after a barrage of insults between the two leaders. US-based experts say North Korea appeared to show last November that it has succeeded in developing a missile capable of delivering a nuclear weapon anywhere in the United States. Trump has derided Kim as a "maniac," referred to him as "little rocket man" and threatened in a speech last year to "totally destroy" North Korea, a country of 26 million people, if it attacked the United States or one of its allies. Kim responded by calling Trump a "mentally deranged US dotard." The Trump administration has led a worldwide push to tighten international sanctions on North Korea to choke off resources needed for its weapons programs. World leaders welcomed prospects for a possible thaw in the Korea standoff including China, which is North Korea's largest trading partner and its sole major ally. President Xi Jinping told Trump in a phone call on Friday that he appreciates his desire to resolve the North Korea issue politically, Chinese state media said. Xi "hopes the United States and North Korea start contacts and dialogue as soon as possible and strive to reach positive results," the report added.

US seeks 'concrete actions' from North Korea before planned talks

US President Donald Trump said Saturday that China&#39;s President Xi Jinping is being &quot;helpful&quot; as the United States moves toward a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Trump gave few details in a tweet about his telephone conversation with Xi Friday, but the White House had said the two leaders committed to keeping the pressure on North Korea until it takes &quot;tangible steps&quot; toward denuclearisation.

Trump stunned the world this week by accepting an invitation to meet Kim before the end of May, an unexpected turnabout after months of intensifying brinksmanship that sent tensions soaring.

Trump tweeted that Xi &quot;appreciates that the US is working to solve the problem diplomatically rather than going with the ominous alternative. China continues to be helpful!&quot;

The White House said the ever-more-powerful Chinese president committed to &quot;maintain pressure and sanctions until North Korea takes tangible steps toward complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation.&quot;

Trump praised a possible future agreement with the communist North as &quot;very good&quot; for the international community as a whole in a Friday tweet.

&quot;The deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the World. Time and place to be determined,&quot; Trump wrote.

As aides scrambled to catch up with the president`s decision, taken before consulting key confidantes, the White House sent mixed messages about conditions.

&quot;They`ve made promises to denuclearize, they`ve made promises to stop nuclear and missile testing,&quot; White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said.

&quot;We`re not going to have this meeting take place until we see concrete actions that match the words and the rhetoric of North Korea,&quot; she told reporters.

Officials behind the scenes said this did not constitute a change of heart.In the Hague, former secretary of state and Trump rival Hillary Clinton questioned the administration`s readiness for the diplomatic challenge ahead.

&quot;If you want to talk to Kim Jong-un about his nuclear weapons you need experienced diplomats,&quot; Clinton told Dutch tabloid Algemeen Dagblad in an interview published Saturday.

She said the State Department was &quot;being eroded,&quot; and experienced diplomats on the North Korean issue were in short supply because many have left.

&quot;You cannot have diplomacy without diplomats,&quot; she said, adding &quot;the danger is not being recognized by the Trump government.&quot;

Clinton`s words echo those of veteran diplomat and former US ambassador to the United Nations, Bill Richardson, who warned that negotiating with North Korea was not &quot;reality television.&quot;

&quot;It`s a real opportunity... I worry about the president`s unpreparedness and lack of discipline. But I commend him for his very bold move in accepting the invitation,&quot; Richardson said on Friday.

&quot;But this is not `The Apprentice` or a reality TV event. It`s a negotiation with an unpredictable leader who has at least 20 nuclear weapons and who threatens the United States,&quot; he said.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Trump tweeted that Xi 'appreciates that the US is working to solve the problem diplomatically rather than going with the ominous alternative. China continues to be helpful!'

US President Donald Trump said Saturday that China's President Xi Jinping is being "helpful" as the United States moves toward a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Trump gave few details in a tweet about his telephone conversation with Xi Friday, but the White House had said the two leaders committed to keeping the pressure on North Korea until it takes "tangible steps" toward denuclearisation. Trump stunned the world this week by accepting an invitation to meet Kim before the end of May, an unexpected turnabout after months of intensifying brinksmanship that sent tensions soaring. Trump tweeted that Xi "appreciates that the US is working to solve the problem diplomatically rather than going with the ominous alternative. China continues to be helpful!" The White House said the ever-more-powerful Chinese president committed to "maintain pressure and sanctions until North Korea takes tangible steps toward complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearisation." Trump praised a possible future agreement with the communist North as "very good" for the international community as a whole in a Friday tweet. "The deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the World. Time and place to be determined," Trump wrote. As aides scrambled to catch up with the president`s decision, taken before consulting key confidantes, the White House sent mixed messages about conditions. "They`ve made promises to denuclearize, they`ve made promises to stop nuclear and missile testing," White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. "We`re not going to have this meeting take place until we see concrete actions that match the words and the rhetoric of North Korea," she told reporters. Officials behind the scenes said this did not constitute a change of heart.In the Hague, former secretary of state and Trump rival Hillary Clinton questioned the administration`s readiness for the diplomatic challenge ahead. "If you want to talk to Kim Jong-un about his nuclear weapons you need experienced diplomats," Clinton told Dutch tabloid Algemeen Dagblad in an interview published Saturday. She said the State Department was "being eroded," and experienced diplomats on the North Korean issue were in short supply because many have left. "You cannot have diplomacy without diplomats," she said, adding "the danger is not being recognized by the Trump government." Clinton`s words echo those of veteran diplomat and former US ambassador to the United Nations, Bill Richardson, who warned that negotiating with North Korea was not "reality television." "It`s a real opportunity... I worry about the president`s unpreparedness and lack of discipline. But I commend him for his very bold move in accepting the invitation," Richardson said on Friday. "But this is not `The Apprentice` or a reality TV event. It`s a negotiation with an unpredictable leader who has at least 20 nuclear weapons and who threatens the United States," he said.

Trump says Chinese president 'helpful' on Kim Jong-un meeting

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-concrete-actions-from-north-korea-before-planned-talks-35266">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-seeks-concrete-actions-from-north-korea-before-planned-talks-35266"> seeks &#39;concrete actions&#39; from North Korea before planned talks</a>

US President Donald Trump will not meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unless Pyongyang takes &quot;concrete actions,&quot; the White House said on Friday as it faced criticism for agreeing to talks that would give North Korea international legitimacy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-macron-arrives-in-india-on-4-day-visit-35256">French president Macron arrives in India on </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-macron-arrives-in-india-on-4-day-visit-35256">4-day</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/french-president-macron-arrives-in-india-on-4-day-visit-35256"> visit</a>

French President France Emmanuel Macron arrived in New Delhi on Friday on a four-day state visit. He was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as soon as he touched down at the Delhi airport. The two had a brief interaction before the French president was whisked away in a waiting car.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/deal-with-north-korea-in-the-making-and-will-be-a-good-one-for-the-world-trump-35275">Deal with North Korea in the making and will be a good one for the world: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump on Saturday a deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the world. Trump took to Twitter and said, &quot;a deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the world.&quot;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/loya-may-have-died-due-to-poisoning-ngo-to-supreme-court-35276">Justice Loya may have died due to poisoning: NGO to Supreme court</a>

An NGO, which had sought an independent probe into the alleged mysterious death of special CBI judge B H Loya Saturday claimed in the Supreme Court that he might have died due to poisoning as he had complained of chest congestion.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-holed-up-at-california-veterans-home-with-3-hostages-35269">Gunman</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gunman-holed-up-at-california-veterans-home-with-3-hostages-35269"> holed up at California veterans home with 3 hostages&nbsp;</a>

A gunman who once served in the US military opened fire on Friday inside a California home for disabled and aging war veterans, where he took three hostages and was holding police at bay as negotiators sought to make contact with him for several hours, authorities said.

US seeks 'concrete actions' from North Korea before planned talks US President Donald Trump will not meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unless Pyongyang takes "concrete actions," the White House said on Friday as it faced criticism for agreeing to talks that would give North Korea international legitimacy. French president Macron arrives in India on 4-day visit French President France Emmanuel Macron arrived in New Delhi on Friday on a four-day state visit. He was received by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as soon as he touched down at the Delhi airport. The two had a brief interaction before the French president was whisked away in a waiting car. Deal with North Korea in the making and will be a good one for the world: Trump US President Donald Trump on Saturday a deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the world. Trump took to Twitter and said, "a deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the world." Justice Loya may have died due to poisoning: NGO to Supreme court An NGO, which had sought an independent probe into the alleged mysterious death of special CBI judge B H Loya Saturday claimed in the Supreme Court that he might have died due to poisoning as he had complained of chest congestion. Gunman holed up at California veterans home with 3 hostages A gunman who once served in the US military opened fire on Friday inside a California home for disabled and aging war veterans, where he took three hostages and was holding police at bay as negotiators sought to make contact with him for several hours, authorities said.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday a deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the world.

Trump took to Twitter and said, &quot;a deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the world.&quot;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the World. Time and place to be determined.
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/972271520847466498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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No US president has agreed to sit down with a North Korean leader -- until now. Trump&#39;s move is a sharp departure from 60 years of largely arms-length US&nbsp;diplomacy when it comes to North Korea, not to mention his own previous bellicose rhetoric against Pyongyang.&nbsp;

Trump and Kim prompted jitters around the world last year as they exchanged bellicose insults over the North&#39;s attempts to develop a nuclear weapon capable of hitting the United States, which it has pursued in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions.

US Vice-President Mike Pence said that the US had made &quot;zero concessions&quot; and aims to&nbsp;maintain pressure until &#39;&#39;denuclearisation&#39;&#39; is&nbsp;accomplished.&nbsp;

It also represents another instance in which the Republican Trump, a businessman who promised to shake up Washington, took a completely different direction than his Democratic predecessor.

Trump reportedly accepted the invitation almost on the spot, making a unilateral decision and up-ending decades of US foreign policy.

The remarkable meeting will see the two eccentric, headstrong leaders meet as soon as May.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it was &ldquo;a decision the President took himself&rdquo;, just like his radical announcement on tariffs. The news comes amid further embarrassment for the businessman after a the identity of the porn star who accused him of sexual harassment was revealed.

White House officials said that when South Korean national security adviser Chung Eui-yong relayed Kim&#39;s invitation in an Oval Office meeting on Thursday (March 08), Trump readily agreed, feeling that US-led sanctions were weakening North Korea.

Trump's move is a sharp departure from 60 years of largely arms-length US diplomacy when it comes to North Korea, not to mention his own previous bellicose rhetoric against Pyongyang

US President Donald Trump on Saturday a deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the world. Trump took to Twitter and said, "a deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the world." The deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the World. Time and place to be determined. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 10, 2018 × No US president has agreed to sit down with a North Korean leader -- until now. Trump's move is a sharp departure from 60 years of largely arms-length US diplomacy when it comes to North Korea, not to mention his own previous bellicose rhetoric against Pyongyang. Trump and Kim prompted jitters around the world last year as they exchanged bellicose insults over the North's attempts to develop a nuclear weapon capable of hitting the United States, which it has pursued in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions. US Vice-President Mike Pence said that the US had made "zero concessions" and aims to maintain pressure until ''denuclearisation'' is accomplished. It also represents another instance in which the Republican Trump, a businessman who promised to shake up Washington, took a completely different direction than his Democratic predecessor. Trump reportedly accepted the invitation almost on the spot, making a unilateral decision and up-ending decades of US foreign policy. The remarkable meeting will see the two eccentric, headstrong leaders meet as soon as May. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said it was “a decision the President took himself”, just like his radical announcement on tariffs. The news comes amid further embarrassment for the businessman after a the identity of the porn star who accused him of sexual harassment was revealed. White House officials said that when South Korean national security adviser Chung Eui-yong relayed Kim's invitation in an Oval Office meeting on Thursday (March 08), Trump readily agreed, feeling that US-led sanctions were weakening North Korea.

Deal with North Korea in the making and will be a good one for the world: Trump

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-quote-from-hindi-film-song-supreme-court-allows-passive-euthanasia-35235" target="_blank">With </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-quote-from-hindi-film-song-supreme-court-allows-passive-euthanasia-35235" target="_blank">quote</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-quote-from-hindi-film-song-supreme-court-allows-passive-euthanasia-35235" target="_blank"> from Hindi film song, Supreme Court allows passive euthanasia</a>

The Indian Supreme Court on Friday&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-approves-passive-euthanasia-35189" target="_blank">recognised the right to passive euthanasia</a>for the terminally ill.&nbsp; The decision was taken by a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-passes-bill-giving-death-penalty-to-rapists-of-girls-below-12-years-35231" target="_blank">Rajasthan passes </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-passes-bill-giving-death-penalty-to-rapists-of-girls-below-12-years-35231" target="_blank">bill</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-passes-bill-giving-death-penalty-to-rapists-of-girls-below-12-years-35231" target="_blank"> providing for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-passes-bill-giving-death-penalty-to-rapists-of-girls-below-12-years-35231" target="_blank">death</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajasthan-passes-bill-giving-death-penalty-to-rapists-of-girls-below-12-years-35231" target="_blank"> penalty to rapists of girls under 12</a>

Rajasthan home minister GC Kataria said the government had made two amendments in the case -- adding life sentence and life imprisonment for convicts in offences against girls below 12 years of age and making a provision that a convict can&#39;t leave prison for life even after completing 14 years in jail.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parag-agrawal-iit-alumnus-is-twitters-new-cto-35224" target="_blank">Parag Agrawal, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parag-agrawal-iit-alumnus-is-twitters-new-cto-35224" target="_blank">IIT</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parag-agrawal-iit-alumnus-is-twitters-new-cto-35224" target="_blank"> alumnus, is Twitter&#39;s new CTO</a>

Microblogging platform Twitter has appointed &nbsp;IIT-Bombay alumnus Parag Agrawal as its chief technology officer (CTO), an update on the company&#39;s website said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-surprised-at-north-koreas-offer-of-talks-rex-tillerson-35238" target="_blank">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-surprised-at-north-koreas-offer-of-talks-rex-tillerson-35238" target="_blank">&nbsp;surprised at North Korea&#39;s offer of talks: Rex Tillerson</a>

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday said Washington had been surprised by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un&#39;s willingness to hold direct talks with the US on the nuclear standoff in the Korean peninsula.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-govt-making-efforts-to-mainstream-hafiz-saeed-and-his-system-mea-raveesh-kumar-35239" target="_blank">Pak govt making efforts to mainstream Hafiz Saeed and his system: India&#39;s MEA</a>

The Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar has said that Pakistan is trying to make efforts to mainstream Hafiz Saeed and his system as a political party.

With quote from Hindi film song, Supreme Court allows passive euthanasia The Indian Supreme Court on Friday recognised the right to passive euthanasiafor the terminally ill. The decision was taken by a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. Rajasthan passes bill providing for death penalty to rapists of girls under 12 Rajasthan home minister GC Kataria said the government had made two amendments in the case -- adding life sentence and life imprisonment for convicts in offences against girls below 12 years of age and making a provision that a convict can't leave prison for life even after completing 14 years in jail. Parag Agrawal, IIT alumnus, is Twitter's new CTO Microblogging platform Twitter has appointed IIT-Bombay alumnus Parag Agrawal as its chief technology officer (CTO), an update on the company's website said. US surprised at North Korea's offer of talks: Rex Tillerson Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Friday said Washington had been surprised by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's willingness to hold direct talks with the US on the nuclear standoff in the Korean peninsula. Pak govt making efforts to mainstream Hafiz Saeed and his system: India's MEA The Ministry of External Affairs, Raveesh Kumar has said that Pakistan is trying to make efforts to mainstream Hafiz Saeed and his system as a political party.

WION Evening News brief, March 9, 2018

North Korea could buy time to build up and refine its nuclear arsenal, including a warhead able to survive re-entry into the Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere if it manages to drag out any talks with Washington, US officials and experts say.

Even if North Korea freezes nuclear detonations and missile tests during such talks - as South Korea has said Pyongyang offered to do - there is plenty of other technical work it could pursue while diplomatic efforts are under way, they say.

Such work could include completing development of a re-entry vehicle that can deliver a nuclear weapon, production of rocket frames, engines and mobile launchers and increasing the output of plutonium and highly enriched uranium for bomb-making.

&ldquo;North Korea can be expected to proceed on all these things ... unless an agreement freezes or stops these activities, something unlikely in the short run,&rdquo; said David Albright, a nuclear non-proliferation expert who heads Washington&#39;s Institute for Science and International Security.

President Donald Trump has said Pyongyang seems &quot;sincere&quot; in its offer of talks, but some in Washington are wary that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be using it as a stalling tactic for further weapons development &ndash; especially of a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland - and to seek relief from tough international sanctions.

US intelligence officials have said Kim is only months away from being able to mount such a strike, while some experts say he may already have the basic capability, even if it remains untested.

The Trump administration must weigh such risks, including North Korea&rsquo;s history of reneging on commitments, in deciding whether to go to the negotiating table, US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Proponents of engagement, including Joel Wit, a senior fellow at Washington&#39;s US-Korea Institute, said the fact that North Korea was unlikely to agree to a complete freeze of activity should not be an obstacle.

&quot;These programs are going to continue, but if we have a suspension of nuclear tests and missile tests, that&rsquo;s a good first step here. It&rsquo;s better than not having one,&quot; he said.

US officials said Trump would be prepared to quickly pull the plug on diplomacy if it becomes obvious that Pyongyang is just trying to drag out talks.

One administration official said that while it was unclear how long Trump might keep the negotiating window open, it would likely be evident in months &ldquo;if North Korea is just playing us.&rdquo;

Either way, US officials and experts agree there is value in getting North Korea to put its testing on hold as launches and detonations are vital to developing reliable weapons.

North Korea has tested dozens of missiles of various types in the past two years, including one launch of its largest-ever intercontinental ballistic missile, which is theoretically capable of hitting anywhere in the United States, on November 29. There have since been no more tests.

South Korean envoys, who met Kim in Pyongyang this week and who are due in Washington to brief US officials on Thursday, said he offered to suspend all nuclear and missile tests while conducting talks with the United States.

They said Kim also expressed a willingness to denuclearize, something he previously declared non-negotiable if his country&rsquo;s security was guaranteed.

US and South Korean officials worry that North Korea will ultimately lay down impossible demands in talks &ndash; such as the complete withdrawal of US forces from South Korea - and once diplomacy fails, emerge as an even greater threat than before.

Perhaps North Korea&#39;s biggest challenge, experts say, is to show it can produce a re-entry vehicle robust enough to prevent a nuclear warhead burning up when it hurtles back into the Earth&#39;s atmosphere.

Some of that work can be done on the ground, although a live test will eventually be needed as North Korea has never flown a missile at a trajectory that would simulate a long-range flight, experts say.

US officials and experts believe North Korea also needs more time to create facilities capable of mass-producing missiles, engines and other components - a challenge to any country even without the constraints of stringent international sanctions.

To create a credible deterrent to the United States, North Korea would have to show it has the ability to launch multiple missiles at once to circumvent the US anti-missile defences in the event of war.

It also needs additional transporter-erector-launchers, or TELs, to enable it to fire missiles from hastily established positions less vulnerable to detection and attack than permanent launch sites.

US intelligence officials have said Kim is only months away from being able to mount such a strike

North Korea could buy time to build up and refine its nuclear arsenal, including a warhead able to survive re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere if it manages to drag out any talks with Washington, US officials and experts say. Even if North Korea freezes nuclear detonations and missile tests during such talks - as South Korea has said Pyongyang offered to do - there is plenty of other technical work it could pursue while diplomatic efforts are under way, they say. Such work could include completing development of a re-entry vehicle that can deliver a nuclear weapon, production of rocket frames, engines and mobile launchers and increasing the output of plutonium and highly enriched uranium for bomb-making. “North Korea can be expected to proceed on all these things ... unless an agreement freezes or stops these activities, something unlikely in the short run,” said David Albright, a nuclear non-proliferation expert who heads Washington's Institute for Science and International Security. President Donald Trump has said Pyongyang seems "sincere" in its offer of talks, but some in Washington are wary that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may be using it as a stalling tactic for further weapons development – especially of a nuclear-tipped missile capable of hitting the US mainland - and to seek relief from tough international sanctions. US intelligence officials have said Kim is only months away from being able to mount such a strike, while some experts say he may already have the basic capability, even if it remains untested. The Trump administration must weigh such risks, including North Korea’s history of reneging on commitments, in deciding whether to go to the negotiating table, US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Proponents of engagement, including Joel Wit, a senior fellow at Washington's US-Korea Institute, said the fact that North Korea was unlikely to agree to a complete freeze of activity should not be an obstacle. "These programs are going to continue, but if we have a suspension of nuclear tests and missile tests, that’s a good first step here. It’s better than not having one," he said. US officials said Trump would be prepared to quickly pull the plug on diplomacy if it becomes obvious that Pyongyang is just trying to drag out talks. One administration official said that while it was unclear how long Trump might keep the negotiating window open, it would likely be evident in months “if North Korea is just playing us.” Either way, US officials and experts agree there is value in getting North Korea to put its testing on hold as launches and detonations are vital to developing reliable weapons. North Korea has tested dozens of missiles of various types in the past two years, including one launch of its largest-ever intercontinental ballistic missile, which is theoretically capable of hitting anywhere in the United States, on November 29. There have since been no more tests. South Korean envoys, who met Kim in Pyongyang this week and who are due in Washington to brief US officials on Thursday, said he offered to suspend all nuclear and missile tests while conducting talks with the United States. They said Kim also expressed a willingness to denuclearize, something he previously declared non-negotiable if his country’s security was guaranteed. US and South Korean officials worry that North Korea will ultimately lay down impossible demands in talks – such as the complete withdrawal of US forces from South Korea - and once diplomacy fails, emerge as an even greater threat than before. Perhaps North Korea's biggest challenge, experts say, is to show it can produce a re-entry vehicle robust enough to prevent a nuclear warhead burning up when it hurtles back into the Earth's atmosphere. Some of that work can be done on the ground, although a live test will eventually be needed as North Korea has never flown a missile at a trajectory that would simulate a long-range flight, experts say. US officials and experts believe North Korea also needs more time to create facilities capable of mass-producing missiles, engines and other components - a challenge to any country even without the constraints of stringent international sanctions. To create a credible deterrent to the United States, North Korea would have to show it has the ability to launch multiple missiles at once to circumvent the US anti-missile defences in the event of war. It also needs additional transporter-erector-launchers, or TELs, to enable it to fire missiles from hastily established positions less vulnerable to detection and attack than permanent launch sites.

US wary of North Korea weapons advances while talks take place

The dramatic developments in the Korean Peninsula, over the last few weeks, read like pages of a racy thriller. In a span of just two months, the breeze of d&eacute;tente instead bugle of conflict, has begun to blow. Gone are the threats of death and destruction, replaced by the soothing sound of dialogue, peace and reason. No wonder the Korean theatre has always had observers rivetted.

Consider the following. Out of the blue on January 1, Kim Jong-un (KJU) offered to South Korea (ROK) talks and participation in PyeongChang winter Olympics. The latter acted with equal alacrity and, within weeks, the North and South teams were seen marching together under a common unification flag.&nbsp;

Next, in a deft move, KJU despatched his younger sister Kim Yo-jong with a personal letter of invite to President Moon, for a summit meeting. In the process, she became the first member of the Kim clan to set foot on the South Korean soil. In no time, she had South Koreans swooning over her &lsquo;poise, smile, simplicity, dignity&rsquo; and numerous other accolades that the smitten media showered on her. She did not utter a word in public, shook hands with Vice President Pence and held a luncheon meeting with President Moon. It was a PR coup for Pyongyang.

No sooner had she gone back and the winter games ended that a return visit of ROK special envoys was announced. A five-member delegation led by NSA Chung Eui-yong and including the head of Korean CIA Suh Hoon, arrived in Pyongyang on 5th March.&nbsp;

They met the portly and reclusive North Korean leader over dinner. Hitherto, during his six-year rule, KJU had never emerged for a meeting with a visiting foreign leader or delegation. Setting aside protocol (as the guests were without their spouse) and contrary to Korean custom, KJU also had his wife participate in the dinner. He was clearly on a charm offensive towards his southern neighbour. An enigma herself, she has been a subject of unrelenting speculation in ROK. &nbsp;

The sides have since announced a summit at the end of April at the peace village in DMZ. North Korea (DPRK) now &lsquo;understands&rsquo; that the forthcoming US-ROK annual joint military exercise will take place. The visitors were assured that there would be no further provocations by DPRK, for the time being. And what&rsquo;s more, KJU agreed to unconditional talks with the US and even dangled the carrot of denuclearisation if his regime&rsquo;s security is guaranteed.&nbsp;

President Trump was prompt to tweet &ndash;&lsquo;Possible progress being made in talks with North Korea. For the first time in many years, a serious effort is being made by all parties concerned. The World is watching and waiting! Maybe false hope, but the U.S. is ready to go hard in either direction!&rsquo; USA and ROK have been trying to present a united facade, but they are far from being on the same page. Trump has little patience for diplomacy and Moon is wary of his temperamental American counterpart.&nbsp;

It may be recalled that quite recently North&rsquo;s official newspaper Rodong Sinmun had thundered &ndash; &lsquo;Hoping that the DPRK would abandon its nuclear programs is as foolish an act as trying to wish seas to get dried up&rsquo;. (Japan Times, March 5, 2018).&nbsp; KJU trusts no one and no nation, other than his WMD arsenal and own instincts, honed by three generations of Kims during their 65-year-long uninterrupted reign.&nbsp;

Pyongyang has also drawn the requisite lessons from the fate that had befallen Saddam Hussain and Qaddafi, one of which is that WMD is the insurance for survival. Thus, no security guarantee would be good enough for him.&nbsp;

Then why this huge climbdown? The noose of sanctions had begun to tighten. The squeeze had begun hurting DPRK&rsquo;s fragile economy. The nation&rsquo;s diplomatic isolation was growing. A number of countries had downgraded ties. The Chinese lifeline was becoming tenuous. Hence, there was an urgent need to deflect pressure, buy time and make a pitch for easing sanctions and humanitarian assistance. Somehow a wedge had to be driven between ROK and USA. And what better way than to offer a summit to President Moon, as no ROK leader can resist the temptation of making history.

All this sounds surreal? Yes, because it is indeed too good to be true. The only imponderable is whether the deceptive thaw will last weeks or months. Nevertheless, this round squarely goes to Kim Jong-un.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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Kim Jong came up with an effective response to North Korea's urgent need to deflect pressure, buy time and make a pitch for easing sanctions and humanitarian assistance.

The dramatic developments in the Korean Peninsula, over the last few weeks, read like pages of a racy thriller. In a span of just two months, the breeze of détente instead bugle of conflict, has begun to blow. Gone are the threats of death and destruction, replaced by the soothing sound of dialogue, peace and reason. No wonder the Korean theatre has always had observers rivetted. Consider the following. Out of the blue on January 1, Kim Jong-un (KJU) offered to South Korea (ROK) talks and participation in PyeongChang winter Olympics. The latter acted with equal alacrity and, within weeks, the North and South teams were seen marching together under a common unification flag. Next, in a deft move, KJU despatched his younger sister Kim Yo-jong with a personal letter of invite to President Moon, for a summit meeting. In the process, she became the first member of the Kim clan to set foot on the South Korean soil. In no time, she had South Koreans swooning over her ‘poise, smile, simplicity, dignity’ and numerous other accolades that the smitten media showered on her. She did not utter a word in public, shook hands with Vice President Pence and held a luncheon meeting with President Moon. It was a PR coup for Pyongyang. No sooner had she gone back and the winter games ended that a return visit of ROK special envoys was announced. A five-member delegation led by NSA Chung Eui-yong and including the head of Korean CIA Suh Hoon, arrived in Pyongyang on 5th March. They met the portly and reclusive North Korean leader over dinner. Hitherto, during his six-year rule, KJU had never emerged for a meeting with a visiting foreign leader or delegation. Setting aside protocol (as the guests were without their spouse) and contrary to Korean custom, KJU also had his wife participate in the dinner. He was clearly on a charm offensive towards his southern neighbour. An enigma herself, she has been a subject of unrelenting speculation in ROK. The sides have since announced a summit at the end of April at the peace village in DMZ. North Korea (DPRK) now ‘understands’ that the forthcoming US-ROK annual joint military exercise will take place. The visitors were assured that there would be no further provocations by DPRK, for the time being. And what’s more, KJU agreed to unconditional talks with the US and even dangled the carrot of denuclearisation if his regime’s security is guaranteed. President Trump was prompt to tweet –‘Possible progress being made in talks with North Korea. For the first time in many years, a serious effort is being made by all parties concerned. The World is watching and waiting! Maybe false hope, but the U.S. is ready to go hard in either direction!’ USA and ROK have been trying to present a united facade, but they are far from being on the same page. Trump has little patience for diplomacy and Moon is wary of his temperamental American counterpart. It may be recalled that quite recently North’s official newspaper Rodong Sinmun had thundered – ‘Hoping that the DPRK would abandon its nuclear programs is as foolish an act as trying to wish seas to get dried up’. (Japan Times, March 5, 2018). KJU trusts no one and no nation, other than his WMD arsenal and own instincts, honed by three generations of Kims during their 65-year-long uninterrupted reign. Pyongyang has also drawn the requisite lessons from the fate that had befallen Saddam Hussain and Qaddafi, one of which is that WMD is the insurance for survival. Thus, no security guarantee would be good enough for him. Then why this huge climbdown? The noose of sanctions had begun to tighten. The squeeze had begun hurting DPRK’s fragile economy. The nation’s diplomatic isolation was growing. A number of countries had downgraded ties. The Chinese lifeline was becoming tenuous. Hence, there was an urgent need to deflect pressure, buy time and make a pitch for easing sanctions and humanitarian assistance. Somehow a wedge had to be driven between ROK and USA. And what better way than to offer a summit to President Moon, as no ROK leader can resist the temptation of making history. All this sounds surreal? Yes, because it is indeed too good to be true. The only imponderable is whether the deceptive thaw will last weeks or months. Nevertheless, this round squarely goes to Kim Jong-un. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Kim Jong wins the first round against US, South Korea

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