The United States and South Korea will begin small-scale military drills on Monday that were delayed during talks with North Korea, days after Pyongyang threatened to restart work on its nuclear programme if international pressure does not ease.

The Korean Marine Exchange Program was among the training drills that were indefinitely suspended in June after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore and promised to end joint, US-South Korea military exercises often criticised by the North.

A spokesman for South Korea's Ministry of Defence confirmed a round of training would begin near the southern city of Pohang, with no media access expected.

About 500 American and South Korean marines will participate in the manoeuvres, the Yonhap news agency reported.

In Washington last week, South Korea's defence minister said Washington and Seoul would make a decision by December on major joint military exercises for 2019. Vigilant Ace, suspended earlier this month, is one of several such exercises that have been halted to encourage dialogue with Pyongyang.

The biggest combat-readiness war game ever staged in and around Japan has gone ahead, however, with nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan joining Japanese destroyers and a Canadian warship in the ocean off Japan -- another key player in the effort to pressure North Korea.

North Korea warned on Friday that it could restart development of its nuclear programme if the United States does not drop its campaign of "maximum pressure" and sanctions.

"The improvement of relations and sanctions are incompatible," a foreign ministry official said in a statement released through state-run KCNA news agency. "The US&nbsp;thinks that its oft-repeated 'sanctions and pressure' lead to 'denuclearization.' We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea."

North Korea has not tested a ballistic missile or nuclear weapon for nearly a year, and has said it has shuttered its main nuclear test site with plans to dismantle several more facilities.

In recent weeks, North Korea has pressed more sharply for what it sees as reciprocal concessions by the United States and other countries.

"As shown, the US&nbsp;is totally to blame for all the problems on the Korean peninsula including the nuclear issue and therefore, the very one that caused all those must untie the knot it made," Friday's statement said.

American officials have remained sceptical of Kim's commitment to give up the nuclear arsenal he has already amassed, however, and Washington says it won't support easing international sanctions until more verified progress is made.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, meanwhile, has forged ahead with efforts to engage with North Korea in recent months, raising US&nbsp;concerns that Seoul could weaken pressure on North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

The United States and South Korea will begin small-scale military drills on Monday that were delayed during talks with North Korea, days after Pyongyang threatened to restart work on its nuclear programme if international pressure does not ease.

The United States and South Korea will begin small-scale military drills on Monday that were delayed during talks with North Korea, days after Pyongyang threatened to restart work on its nuclear programme if international pressure does not ease. The Korean Marine Exchange Program was among the training drills that were indefinitely suspended in June after US President Donald Trump met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore and promised to end joint, US-South Korea military exercises often criticised by the North. A spokesman for South Korea's Ministry of Defence confirmed a round of training would begin near the southern city of Pohang, with no media access expected. About 500 American and South Korean marines will participate in the manoeuvres, the Yonhap news agency reported. In Washington last week, South Korea's defence minister said Washington and Seoul would make a decision by December on major joint military exercises for 2019. Vigilant Ace, suspended earlier this month, is one of several such exercises that have been halted to encourage dialogue with Pyongyang. The biggest combat-readiness war game ever staged in and around Japan has gone ahead, however, with nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan joining Japanese destroyers and a Canadian warship in the ocean off Japan -- another key player in the effort to pressure North Korea. North Korea warned on Friday that it could restart development of its nuclear programme if the United States does not drop its campaign of "maximum pressure" and sanctions. "The improvement of relations and sanctions are incompatible," a foreign ministry official said in a statement released through state-run KCNA news agency. "The US thinks that its oft-repeated 'sanctions and pressure' lead to 'denuclearization.' We cannot help laughing at such a foolish idea." North Korea has not tested a ballistic missile or nuclear weapon for nearly a year, and has said it has shuttered its main nuclear test site with plans to dismantle several more facilities. In recent weeks, North Korea has pressed more sharply for what it sees as reciprocal concessions by the United States and other countries. "As shown, the US is totally to blame for all the problems on the Korean peninsula including the nuclear issue and therefore, the very one that caused all those must untie the knot it made," Friday's statement said. American officials have remained sceptical of Kim's commitment to give up the nuclear arsenal he has already amassed, however, and Washington says it won't support easing international sanctions until more verified progress is made. South Korean President Moon Jae-in, meanwhile, has forged ahead with efforts to engage with North Korea in recent months, raising US concerns that Seoul could weaken pressure on North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.

US, South Korea set delayed military drills; North Korea urges end to pressure

The two Koreas agreed at a meeting on Friday to send a letter to the International Olympic Committee confirming that they want to co-host the 2032 Summer Games, they said in a joint statement.

Sports officials from both sides held talks to discuss ways of expanding sports exchanges. The statement also said they agreed to form a combined team to compete in the men's Handball World Championship in Germany next year.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to pursue the joint Olympics bid at their summit in Pyongyang in September.

Athletes from North and South Korea marched under a unified peninsula flag at the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics earlier this year, and the two Koreas have seen a significant thaw in tensions since.

Indonesia and India have also expressed an interest in hosting the Summer Games in 2032.

The two Koreas agreed at a meeting on Friday to send a letter to the International Olympic Committee confirming that they want to co-host the 2032 Summer Games, they said in a joint statement.

The two Koreas agreed at a meeting on Friday to send a letter to the International Olympic Committee confirming that they want to co-host the 2032 Summer Games, they said in a joint statement. Sports officials from both sides held talks to discuss ways of expanding sports exchanges. The statement also said they agreed to form a combined team to compete in the men's Handball World Championship in Germany next year. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un agreed to pursue the joint Olympics bid at their summit in Pyongyang in September. Athletes from North and South Korea marched under a unified peninsula flag at the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics earlier this year, and the two Koreas have seen a significant thaw in tensions since. Indonesia and India have also expressed an interest in hosting the Summer Games in 2032.

North, South Korea to send letter to IOC on joint 2032 bid

South Korea's spy agency has observed preparations by North Korea for international inspections at several of its nuclear and missile test sites, the Yonhap news agency said on Wednesday, citing a South Korean lawmaker.

US officials declined to confirm the observations, but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in Washington he planned to meet his North Korean negotiating counterpart next week and would speak to him about inspections.

Pompeo said in a radio interview that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had committed to allowing US inspectors at two "significant" sites when he met him in Pyongyang this month.

"We hope to get them there before too long," he told the Laura Ingraham show. Pompeo did not identify the sites.

Kim Min-ki of South Korea's ruling Democratic Party told reporters earlier that the country's National Intelligence Service observed North Koreans "conducting preparation and intelligence activities that seem to be in preparation for foreign inspectors’ visit" at Punggye-ri nuclear test site and the Sohae Satellite launching ground.

The lawmaker added that no major movements had been seen at Yongbyon, the North's main nuclear complex.

North Korea has stopped nuclear and missile tests in the past year, but it did not allow international inspections of its dismantling of Punggye-ri in May, drawing criticism that the action was merely for show and could be reversed.

In September, Kim Jong Un also pledged at a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to close Sohae and allow experts to observe the dismantling of the missile engine-testing site and a launch pad.

At the time, Moon said North Korea agreed to let international inspectors observe a "permanent dismantlement" of key missile facilities, and take further steps, such as closing Yongbyon, in return for reciprocal moves by the United States.

Washington has demanded steps such as a full disclosure of the North’s nuclear and missile facilities, before agreeing to Pyongyang’s key goals.

American officials have been skeptical of Kim's commitment to giving up nuclear weapons, but the North’s pledge at the summit with the South drew an enthusiastic response from President Donald Trump, who met Kim in an unprecedented summit in June and has been keen on a second meeting.&nbsp;

During an inspection of a large construction project at a tourism resort in Wonsan, Kim told workers that such economic projects are a new "decisive battle" for supporting the ruling party and pushing back against international sanctions over the nuclear program, North Korean state media reported on Thursday.&nbsp;

"The hostile forces are foolishly keen on vicious sanctions to stand in our way towards promotion of people`s wellbeing and development and to lead us to change and submission, but they will be made to clearly see over time how our country that has built its strength hundreds of times defying hardship build its own country as a powerful nation by its own strength, technology and efforts," he said on Korean Central News Agency.

Pompeo told Laura Ingraham Washington hoped the second summit would take place early next year "where we can make a substantial breakthrough in taking down the nuclear threat from North Korea."

"There’s a lot of work which remains, and Chairman Kim has made clear to me - just as plain as I’m speaking to you, Laura - that he has the intention to denuclearise and we’ll do everything we can to assist him in following through on that commitment."

Pompeo did not name his counterpart, but Kim Yong Chol, a close aide to Kim Jong Un, has led past negotiating sessions with him.

The State Department declined to provide details, but the meeting is expected to take place in New York.&nbsp;

Also in Washington, South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo said the United States and South Korea would make a decision by December on major joint military exercises for 2019.

Earlier this month, the two countries suspended Vigilant Ace, one of several exercises that have been halted to encourage dialogue.

"We are not right now concerned with a loss of combat capability," US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters after the meeting with his South Korean counterpart.

"Clearly as we go forward, we`ll have to make adaptations to ensure we don't lose that capability. But right now, again this is not a total suspension of all collaboration and military exercises," Mattis added.

South Korea's spy agency has observed preparations by North Korea for international inspections at several of its nuclear and missile test sites, the Yonhap news agency said on Wednesday, citing a South Korean lawmaker.

South Korea's spy agency has observed preparations by North Korea for international inspections at several of its nuclear and missile test sites, the Yonhap news agency said on Wednesday, citing a South Korean lawmaker. US officials declined to confirm the observations, but Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in Washington he planned to meet his North Korean negotiating counterpart next week and would speak to him about inspections. Pompeo said in a radio interview that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had committed to allowing US inspectors at two "significant" sites when he met him in Pyongyang this month. "We hope to get them there before too long," he told the Laura Ingraham show. Pompeo did not identify the sites. Kim Min-ki of South Korea's ruling Democratic Party told reporters earlier that the country's National Intelligence Service observed North Koreans "conducting preparation and intelligence activities that seem to be in preparation for foreign inspectors’ visit" at Punggye-ri nuclear test site and the Sohae Satellite launching ground. The lawmaker added that no major movements had been seen at Yongbyon, the North's main nuclear complex. North Korea has stopped nuclear and missile tests in the past year, but it did not allow international inspections of its dismantling of Punggye-ri in May, drawing criticism that the action was merely for show and could be reversed. In September, Kim Jong Un also pledged at a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to close Sohae and allow experts to observe the dismantling of the missile engine-testing site and a launch pad. At the time, Moon said North Korea agreed to let international inspectors observe a "permanent dismantlement" of key missile facilities, and take further steps, such as closing Yongbyon, in return for reciprocal moves by the United States. Washington has demanded steps such as a full disclosure of the North’s nuclear and missile facilities, before agreeing to Pyongyang’s key goals. American officials have been skeptical of Kim's commitment to giving up nuclear weapons, but the North’s pledge at the summit with the South drew an enthusiastic response from President Donald Trump, who met Kim in an unprecedented summit in June and has been keen on a second meeting. During an inspection of a large construction project at a tourism resort in Wonsan, Kim told workers that such economic projects are a new "decisive battle" for supporting the ruling party and pushing back against international sanctions over the nuclear program, North Korean state media reported on Thursday. "The hostile forces are foolishly keen on vicious sanctions to stand in our way towards promotion of people`s wellbeing and development and to lead us to change and submission, but they will be made to clearly see over time how our country that has built its strength hundreds of times defying hardship build its own country as a powerful nation by its own strength, technology and efforts," he said on Korean Central News Agency. Pompeo told Laura Ingraham Washington hoped the second summit would take place early next year "where we can make a substantial breakthrough in taking down the nuclear threat from North Korea." "There’s a lot of work which remains, and Chairman Kim has made clear to me - just as plain as I’m speaking to you, Laura - that he has the intention to denuclearise and we’ll do everything we can to assist him in following through on that commitment." Pompeo did not name his counterpart, but Kim Yong Chol, a close aide to Kim Jong Un, has led past negotiating sessions with him. The State Department declined to provide details, but the meeting is expected to take place in New York. Also in Washington, South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo said the United States and South Korea would make a decision by December on major joint military exercises for 2019. Earlier this month, the two countries suspended Vigilant Ace, one of several exercises that have been halted to encourage dialogue. "We are not right now concerned with a loss of combat capability," US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis told reporters after the meeting with his South Korean counterpart. "Clearly as we go forward, we`ll have to make adaptations to ensure we don't lose that capability. But right now, again this is not a total suspension of all collaboration and military exercises," Mattis added.

North Korea readies nuclear, missile sites for international inspectors: Report

South Korean footballers were left dumbfounded at an international tournament in Indonesia when organisers played the North's anthem instead.

Ahead of an AFC under-19 Championship qualifier against Jordan at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium on the outskirts of Jakarta, the South's team lined up with their hands on their hearts.

But instead of Seoul's hymn-like anthem "Aegukga", North Korea's national tune blared out, leaving them stony-faced and silent.

The South's coaching staff told officials of the mistake, and while the correct song was then played, they protested after the game on Monday evening.

Seoul's football authorities said Tuesday they will file a formal complaint with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

"This is the first time that the North Korean anthem was played instead of Aegukga at any official international match for any level of the national football team," the Korea Football Association said in a statement.

The tournament's local organising committee blamed the error on the audio operator in charge of playing the anthem.

"During the rehearsal, the South Korean anthem was played. But somehow the operator later picked the wrong song file," Gatot Widagdo, media coordinator for the AFF U-19 Youth Championship, told AFP Tuesday.

"The operator has (since) been replaced and we have apologised to South Korea verbally and in writing."

But he added that "somebody from the AFC should have monitored or guarded the control room".

The mistake comes as a rapid diplomatic thaw takes hold on the peninsula, led by South Korea's dovish President Moon Jae-in who has met with the North's Kim Jong Un three times this year.

North and South Korea formed unified teams for some events at the Asian Games two months ago, also hosted by Indonesia, and reached the women's basketball final.

But the democratic South remains technically at war with the communist North after the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice instead of a peace treaty.

It is not the first time sports organisers have been stumped by Korean politics.

At the 2012 Olympics, North Korea's&nbsp;women footballers walked off the pitch ahead of a group match in Glasgow when they were introduced next to images of the South Korean flag.

South Korean footballers were left dumbfounded at an international tournament in Indonesia when organisers played the North's anthem instead. Ahead of an AFC under-19 Championship qualifier against Jordan at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium on the outskirts of Jakarta, the South's team lined up with their hands on their hearts.

South Korean footballers were left dumbfounded at an international tournament in Indonesia when organisers played the North's anthem instead. Ahead of an AFC under-19 Championship qualifier against Jordan at the Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium on the outskirts of Jakarta, the South's team lined up with their hands on their hearts. But instead of Seoul's hymn-like anthem "Aegukga", North Korea's national tune blared out, leaving them stony-faced and silent. The South's coaching staff told officials of the mistake, and while the correct song was then played, they protested after the game on Monday evening. Seoul's football authorities said Tuesday they will file a formal complaint with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). "This is the first time that the North Korean anthem was played instead of Aegukga at any official international match for any level of the national football team," the Korea Football Association said in a statement. The tournament's local organising committee blamed the error on the audio operator in charge of playing the anthem. "During the rehearsal, the South Korean anthem was played. But somehow the operator later picked the wrong song file," Gatot Widagdo, media coordinator for the AFF U-19 Youth Championship, told AFP Tuesday. "The operator has (since) been replaced and we have apologised to South Korea verbally and in writing." But he added that "somebody from the AFC should have monitored or guarded the control room". The mistake comes as a rapid diplomatic thaw takes hold on the peninsula, led by South Korea's dovish President Moon Jae-in who has met with the North's Kim Jong Un three times this year. North and South Korea formed unified teams for some events at the Asian Games two months ago, also hosted by Indonesia, and reached the women's basketball final. But the democratic South remains technically at war with the communist North after the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice instead of a peace treaty. It is not the first time sports organisers have been stumped by Korean politics. At the 2012 Olympics, North Korea's women footballers walked off the pitch ahead of a group match in Glasgow when they were introduced next to images of the South Korean flag.

South Korea plays football match, anthem played is North Korea's

North and South Korea and the UN Command agreed on Monday to withdraw firearms and guard posts in the demilitarised zone village of Panmunjom this week, Seoul's defence ministry said, the latest move in a fast-improving relationship.

The three sides held their second round of talks at Panmunjom to discuss ways to demilitarise the border in line with a recent inter-Korean pact reached last month's summit in Pyongyang.

The US-led UNC, which has overseen affairs in the DMZ since the end of hostilities in the 1950-53 Korean War, was not immediately available for comment, but it said on Friday it supports the two Koreas' efforts to implement their military deal.

The announcement comes amid US concerns that the inter-Korean military initiative could undermine defence readiness and comes without substantial progress on North Korea's promised denuclearisation.

The neighbours are looking to withdraw 11 guard posts within a 1-km (0.6-mile) radius of the Military Demarcation Line on their border by the end of the year.

They also plan to pull out all firearms from a Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom and cut to 35 each the numbers of personnel stationed there and share information on surveillance equipment.

At Monday's meeting, the three sides agreed to remove firearms and guard posts from the JSA by Thursday, and carry out a joint inspection over the following two days, the ministry said.

The two Koreas have been removing landmines around the area as part of the agreement and they confirmed the completion of the demining operation at the talks with the UNC.

"We discussed the timeline of the pullout of firearms and guard posts, as well as ways to adjust the number of guard personnel and conduct joint inspections," the ministry said in a statement.

The agreement also includes a halt in "all hostile acts" and a no-fly zone around the border.

North and South Korea are technically still at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, but relations have improved considerably in the last year.

After his third summit in Pyongyang, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the North was ready to invite international experts to watch the dismantling of a key missile site and would close the main Yongbyon nuclear complex if Washington took reciprocal actions.

Those actions could include putting a formal end to the 1950-53 war, opening of a US liaison office in North Korea, humanitarian aid and an exchange of economic experts, Moon said.

But Washington demands North Korea takes irreversible steps to scrap its arsenal, such as a full disclosure of nuclear facilities and material.

North and South Korea and the UN Command agreed on Monday to withdraw firearms and guard posts in the demilitarised zone village of Panmunjom this week, Seoul's defence ministry said, the latest move in a fast-improving relationship.

North and South Korea and the UN Command agreed on Monday to withdraw firearms and guard posts in the demilitarised zone village of Panmunjom this week, Seoul's defence ministry said, the latest move in a fast-improving relationship. The three sides held their second round of talks at Panmunjom to discuss ways to demilitarise the border in line with a recent inter-Korean pact reached last month's summit in Pyongyang. The US-led UNC, which has overseen affairs in the DMZ since the end of hostilities in the 1950-53 Korean War, was not immediately available for comment, but it said on Friday it supports the two Koreas' efforts to implement their military deal. The announcement comes amid US concerns that the inter-Korean military initiative could undermine defence readiness and comes without substantial progress on North Korea's promised denuclearisation. The neighbours are looking to withdraw 11 guard posts within a 1-km (0.6-mile) radius of the Military Demarcation Line on their border by the end of the year. They also plan to pull out all firearms from a Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom and cut to 35 each the numbers of personnel stationed there and share information on surveillance equipment. At Monday's meeting, the three sides agreed to remove firearms and guard posts from the JSA by Thursday, and carry out a joint inspection over the following two days, the ministry said. The two Koreas have been removing landmines around the area as part of the agreement and they confirmed the completion of the demining operation at the talks with the UNC. "We discussed the timeline of the pullout of firearms and guard posts, as well as ways to adjust the number of guard personnel and conduct joint inspections," the ministry said in a statement. The agreement also includes a halt in "all hostile acts" and a no-fly zone around the border. North and South Korea are technically still at war because the 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty, but relations have improved considerably in the last year. After his third summit in Pyongyang, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the North was ready to invite international experts to watch the dismantling of a key missile site and would close the main Yongbyon nuclear complex if Washington took reciprocal actions. Those actions could include putting a formal end to the 1950-53 war, opening of a US liaison office in North Korea, humanitarian aid and an exchange of economic experts, Moon said. But Washington demands North Korea takes irreversible steps to scrap its arsenal, such as a full disclosure of nuclear facilities and material.

Two Koreas, UN forces agree to remove weapons at border

Pope Francis is ready to visit North Korea if its leader Kim Jong Un extends a formal invitation, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday after meeting the pontiff.

Moon briefed the pontiff about his visit to Pyongyang in September when Kim had "expressed his wish to welcome the pope into his country" saying he would "ardently" welcome him, the South Korean leader's spokesman said.

"When President Moon asked the pope if it would be alright for Kim to send an invitation... the pope said: 'What you just told me is enough, but it would be good if a formal invitation is sent'," he said, speaking in Korean.

"If the invitation comes, I will definitely respond to that, and I can go," he quoted the pope as saying.

In a statement, the Vatican said: "Strong appreciation was expressed for the common commitment to fostering all useful initiatives to overcome the tensions that still exist in the Korean Peninsula, in order to usher in a new season of peace and development."

And Vatican spokesman Greg Burke told AFP: "I can confirm that a verbal invitation was made."

Moon's spokesman also quoted the pope as saying that he "strongly" backed the peace process, telling the South Korean leader to "march ahead without stopping," adding: "Do not be afraid."

In a separate statement, the Vatican said the pope was not planning a trip to Taiwan. &nbsp;

Taiwanese Vice President Chen Chien-jen made the invitation during a weekend audience with the pope, later telling reporters that Francis had "smiled" when he made the offer.&nbsp;

Last month, the Vatican forged a landmark deal with Beijing on the appointment of bishops, paving the way for a rapprochement. The Vatican has not had diplomatic relations with Beijing since 1951.&nbsp;

That has raised questions over the future of official ties between Taiwan and the Holy See -- the island's only official ally in Europe -- as China makes a concerted effort to poach its dwindling number of diplomatic allies.&nbsp;

Pope Francis is ready to visit North Korea if its leader Kim Jong Un extends a formal invitation, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday after meeting the pontiff.

Pope Francis is ready to visit North Korea if its leader Kim Jong Un extends a formal invitation, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said on Thursday after meeting the pontiff. Moon briefed the pontiff about his visit to Pyongyang in September when Kim had "expressed his wish to welcome the pope into his country" saying he would "ardently" welcome him, the South Korean leader's spokesman said. "When President Moon asked the pope if it would be alright for Kim to send an invitation... the pope said: 'What you just told me is enough, but it would be good if a formal invitation is sent'," he said, speaking in Korean. "If the invitation comes, I will definitely respond to that, and I can go," he quoted the pope as saying. In a statement, the Vatican said: "Strong appreciation was expressed for the common commitment to fostering all useful initiatives to overcome the tensions that still exist in the Korean Peninsula, in order to usher in a new season of peace and development." And Vatican spokesman Greg Burke told AFP: "I can confirm that a verbal invitation was made." Moon's spokesman also quoted the pope as saying that he "strongly" backed the peace process, telling the South Korean leader to "march ahead without stopping," adding: "Do not be afraid." In a separate statement, the Vatican said the pope was not planning a trip to Taiwan. Taiwanese Vice President Chen Chien-jen made the invitation during a weekend audience with the pope, later telling reporters that Francis had "smiled" when he made the offer. Last month, the Vatican forged a landmark deal with Beijing on the appointment of bishops, paving the way for a rapprochement. The Vatican has not had diplomatic relations with Beijing since 1951. That has raised questions over the future of official ties between Taiwan and the Holy See -- the island's only official ally in Europe -- as China makes a concerted effort to poach its dwindling number of diplomatic allies.

Pope ready to visit Pyongyang if invited: South Korea's Moon

The bodies of five South Korean climbers killed in one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit Nepal in recent years were due to be flown home Tuesday, an official said.

The South Koreans, led by record-holding climber Kim Chang-ho, were on remote Mount Gurja when their camp was hit by a sudden, powerful gust most likely caused by a powerful downblast from an avalanche.

The massive impact left the bodies of the climbers -- and those of four Nepali guides with the expedition -- scattered over 500 metres (1,640 feet).&nbsp;

All nine bodies were retrieved from the remote location in the Dhaulagiri mountain range on Sunday, more than 24 hours after the only surviving team member -- who was in a village a day's walk away -- raised the alarm.

The remains of the five foreign climbers will be flown home from Nepal on Tuesday evening, said Shiva Pokharel, an official with South Korea's embassy in Kathmandu.&nbsp;

"The postmortem has been completed... but the results will take about a week," he added.

It was Nepal's worst mountaineering accident since 2015, when a powerful earthquake triggered an avalanche that killed 18 people at Mount Everest's base camp.

Mount Gurja, a rarely-climbed peak last summited in 1996, lacks the level of infrastructure on Mount Everest, which sees hundreds of climbers reach the top each year.&nbsp;

The isolated location of the 7,193-metre peak complicated the retrieval mission.

But it was also likely a draw for Kim. The veteran mountaineer had turned his sights to climbing lesser-known peaks after summiting all 14 of the world's highest mountains -- the first South Korean to achieve the feat.

It is unclear if investigators will be able to piece together why the freak accident was so deadly, claiming the lives of everyone at the base camp.

Dan Richards of US-based Global Rescue, which helped to retrieve the bodies, said it was unlike anything he had seen in 14 years assisting with mountain rescue operations.

"We are still scratching our heads trying to figure out what happened to these experienced mountain climbers," he said.

Thousands of climbers flock to Nepal each year -- home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks -- creating a lucrative mountain tourism industry that is a vital source of cash for the impoverished country.

The bodies of five South Korean climbers killed in one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit Nepal in recent years were due to be flown home Tuesday, an official said.

The bodies of five South Korean climbers killed in one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit Nepal in recent years were due to be flown home Tuesday, an official said. The South Koreans, led by record-holding climber Kim Chang-ho, were on remote Mount Gurja when their camp was hit by a sudden, powerful gust most likely caused by a powerful downblast from an avalanche. The massive impact left the bodies of the climbers -- and those of four Nepali guides with the expedition -- scattered over 500 metres (1,640 feet). All nine bodies were retrieved from the remote location in the Dhaulagiri mountain range on Sunday, more than 24 hours after the only surviving team member -- who was in a village a day's walk away -- raised the alarm. The remains of the five foreign climbers will be flown home from Nepal on Tuesday evening, said Shiva Pokharel, an official with South Korea's embassy in Kathmandu. "The postmortem has been completed... but the results will take about a week," he added. It was Nepal's worst mountaineering accident since 2015, when a powerful earthquake triggered an avalanche that killed 18 people at Mount Everest's base camp. Mount Gurja, a rarely-climbed peak last summited in 1996, lacks the level of infrastructure on Mount Everest, which sees hundreds of climbers reach the top each year. The isolated location of the 7,193-metre peak complicated the retrieval mission. But it was also likely a draw for Kim. The veteran mountaineer had turned his sights to climbing lesser-known peaks after summiting all 14 of the world's highest mountains -- the first South Korean to achieve the feat. It is unclear if investigators will be able to piece together why the freak accident was so deadly, claiming the lives of everyone at the base camp. Dan Richards of US-based Global Rescue, which helped to retrieve the bodies, said it was unlike anything he had seen in 14 years assisting with mountain rescue operations. "We are still scratching our heads trying to figure out what happened to these experienced mountain climbers," he said. Thousands of climbers flock to Nepal each year -- home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks -- creating a lucrative mountain tourism industry that is a vital source of cash for the impoverished country.

Nepal to repatriate South Koreans killed on remote peak

All nine members of a South Korean climbing expedition were confirmed dead Saturday after a violent snowstorm devastated their camp on Nepal's Mount Gurja, one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit the Himalayan nation in recent years.

The bodies of eight climbers -- four South Koreans and four Nepali guides -- were spotted among the wreckage of their camp by a rescue team early Saturday morning, but strong winds and icy conditions were hampering the search effort.

A fifth South Korean climber was initially reported missing, but officials have now confirmed that he was at the camp when the deadly storm hit and is believed to have also perished. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"A mountain expedition of five South Korean nationals and four foreigners were swept off by strong winds at the base camp during their climb to Mount Gurja. (They) fell off a cliff and died," the South Korean foreign ministry said in a statement.

Helicopter pilot Siddartha Gurung was among the first people to reach the site after the deadly storm and described a scene of total destruction with the tents flattened and the climber's bodies scattered across the area.

"Everything is gone, all the tents are blown apart," Gurung told AFP.

Gurung landed a helicopter just above the expedition team's camp, but icy and unstable conditions meant they were unable to retrieve any of the bodies.

Nepal's tourism department said a second helicopter was being sent to the site Saturday afternoon.

"A helicopter has been sent for second rescue attempt but we are not sure whether it can get close to the incident site," said spokeswoman Mira Acharya.

Deadliest incident

The storm is the deadliest incident to hit Nepal's mountaineering industry since 18 people were killed at the Mount Everest base camp in 2015 in an avalanche triggered by a powerful earthquake.

The previous year, 16 Sherpas were killed on Everest when an avalanche swept through the Khumbu Icefall.

Wangchu Sherpa, managing director of Trekking Camp Nepal, who organised the expedition, said they raised the alarm after they had not heard from the South Korean team for nearly 24 hours.

"After they (the climbers) were out of contact since yesterday we sent people from the village and a helicopter to search for them," he said.

The group of South Korean climbers and their Nepali guides had been camped at the foot of the 7,193-metre (23,599-foot) Mount Gurja since early October, waiting for a window of good weather so they could attempt to reach the summit.

Feted South Korean climber Kim Chang-ho, who in 2013 became the fastest person to summit the world's 14 highest mountains without using supplemental oxygen, was leading the expedition, according to a government-issued climbing permit seen by AFP.

The permit listed four South Korean climbers, but a fifth member had joined the team later, according to Suresh Dakal of Trekking Camp Nepal.

Rarely-climbed Gurja lies in Nepal's Annapurna region, next to avalanche-prone Dhaulagiri -- the world's seventh-highest mountain.

Gurja was first summited in 1969 by a Japanese team but no one has stood on its summit for 22 years, according to the Himalayan Database.

The South Korean team were planning to scale the mountain via a never-climbed route, according to the Korean Alpine Federation.

Four climbers have perished on Gurja's flanks and a total of 30 have successfully reached its peak -- a fraction of the more than 8,000 people who have summited Everest, the world's highest mountain.

Thousands of climbers flock to Nepal each year -- home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks -- creating a lucrative mountain tourism industry that is a vital source of cash for the impoverished country.

All nine members of a South Korean climbing expedition were confirmed dead Saturday after a violent snowstorm devastated their camp on Nepal's Mount Gurja, one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit the Himalayan nation in recent years.

All nine members of a South Korean climbing expedition were confirmed dead Saturday after a violent snowstorm devastated their camp on Nepal's Mount Gurja, one of the deadliest mountaineering accidents to hit the Himalayan nation in recent years. The bodies of eight climbers -- four South Koreans and four Nepali guides -- were spotted among the wreckage of their camp by a rescue team early Saturday morning, but strong winds and icy conditions were hampering the search effort. A fifth South Korean climber was initially reported missing, but officials have now confirmed that he was at the camp when the deadly storm hit and is believed to have also perished. "A mountain expedition of five South Korean nationals and four foreigners were swept off by strong winds at the base camp during their climb to Mount Gurja. (They) fell off a cliff and died," the South Korean foreign ministry said in a statement. Helicopter pilot Siddartha Gurung was among the first people to reach the site after the deadly storm and described a scene of total destruction with the tents flattened and the climber's bodies scattered across the area. "Everything is gone, all the tents are blown apart," Gurung told AFP. Gurung landed a helicopter just above the expedition team's camp, but icy and unstable conditions meant they were unable to retrieve any of the bodies. Nepal's tourism department said a second helicopter was being sent to the site Saturday afternoon. "A helicopter has been sent for second rescue attempt but we are not sure whether it can get close to the incident site," said spokeswoman Mira Acharya. Deadliest incident The storm is the deadliest incident to hit Nepal's mountaineering industry since 18 people were killed at the Mount Everest base camp in 2015 in an avalanche triggered by a powerful earthquake. The previous year, 16 Sherpas were killed on Everest when an avalanche swept through the Khumbu Icefall. Wangchu Sherpa, managing director of Trekking Camp Nepal, who organised the expedition, said they raised the alarm after they had not heard from the South Korean team for nearly 24 hours. "After they (the climbers) were out of contact since yesterday we sent people from the village and a helicopter to search for them," he said. The group of South Korean climbers and their Nepali guides had been camped at the foot of the 7,193-metre (23,599-foot) Mount Gurja since early October, waiting for a window of good weather so they could attempt to reach the summit. Feted South Korean climber Kim Chang-ho, who in 2013 became the fastest person to summit the world's 14 highest mountains without using supplemental oxygen, was leading the expedition, according to a government-issued climbing permit seen by AFP. The permit listed four South Korean climbers, but a fifth member had joined the team later, according to Suresh Dakal of Trekking Camp Nepal. Rarely-climbed Gurja lies in Nepal's Annapurna region, next to avalanche-prone Dhaulagiri -- the world's seventh-highest mountain. Gurja was first summited in 1969 by a Japanese team but no one has stood on its summit for 22 years, according to the Himalayan Database. The South Korean team were planning to scale the mountain via a never-climbed route, according to the Korean Alpine Federation. Four climbers have perished on Gurja's flanks and a total of 30 have successfully reached its peak -- a fraction of the more than 8,000 people who have summited Everest, the world's highest mountain. Thousands of climbers flock to Nepal each year -- home to eight of the world's 14 highest peaks -- creating a lucrative mountain tourism industry that is a vital source of cash for the impoverished country.

At least nine climbers killed on Nepal peak: Officials

Some Asian stock markets opened in the red Friday, but losses were relatively muted as traders took a breather after a global rout sparked by fears over higher US interest rates.

Japan's main Nikkei-225 index began the day more than one per cent lower but bounced back in the first hour of trade.&nbsp;

Chinese stocks, which have seen a ferocious sell-off in recent days, also opened with marginal losses, the benchmark Shanghai Composite shedding 0.36 per cent.

But the Kospi index in South Korea bucked the trend and was trading in the green, as was the Hang Seng in Hong Kong as markets in Asia started the fightback.

The past two days have seen something approaching panic in global equity markets, as investors took fright in the face of a perfect storm of rising US interest rates and an intensifying trade war between the US and China.

The global sell-off was also in part due to US President Donald Trump describing the policies of the Federal Reserve as "loco" and "crazy", sparking concerns over the independence of the world's top central bank.

"Markets are finding themselves in a total state of discombobulation as we mercifully head towards the weekend," Stephen Innes, head of trading for Asia Pacific at Oanda, said in a commentary ahead of the opening bell in Japan.

"There have been multiple train wrecks over the past 24 hours, and the continuous wall of worry around US yields and US-China tension still weighs on equity sentiment," he said.

After a see-saw session on Wall Street, the Dow Jones ended 2.1 per cent down, taking its losses for the week to more than five per cent and closing at the lowest levels in months.

Frankfurt, Paris and London all lost at least 1.5 per cent as renewed worries over the eurozone came to the fore amid a budgetary scrap between the European Union and Italy.

Some experts warned that the correction, which came after many indices had hit multi-year highs, would be more than a flash in the pan.

"When we have a recalibration in values, it's not surprising that it takes more than one day," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley FBR.

"In these kinds of moves, it usually takes three days to wash out."

Most market watchers saw last week's surge in the yield of the 10-year US Treasury bond as the catalyst for the two-day rout in the US.

Yields spiked at an unexpectedly fast rate, prompting worries about a sudden acceleration of inflation and more aggressive Federal Reserve interest rate hikes.

Volatility also spread to commodities with big drops in the price of oil after the OPEC cartel cut its forecast for global oil demand.

However, these markets also staged a comeback, bouncing around 19 cents in early Asian trade.

Some Asian stock markets opened in the red Friday, but losses were relatively muted as traders took a breather after a global rout sparked by fears over higher US interest rates.

Some Asian stock markets opened in the red Friday, but losses were relatively muted as traders took a breather after a global rout sparked by fears over higher US interest rates. Japan's main Nikkei-225 index began the day more than one per cent lower but bounced back in the first hour of trade. Chinese stocks, which have seen a ferocious sell-off in recent days, also opened with marginal losses, the benchmark Shanghai Composite shedding 0.36 per cent. But the Kospi index in South Korea bucked the trend and was trading in the green, as was the Hang Seng in Hong Kong as markets in Asia started the fightback. The past two days have seen something approaching panic in global equity markets, as investors took fright in the face of a perfect storm of rising US interest rates and an intensifying trade war between the US and China. The global sell-off was also in part due to US President Donald Trump describing the policies of the Federal Reserve as "loco" and "crazy", sparking concerns over the independence of the world's top central bank. "Markets are finding themselves in a total state of discombobulation as we mercifully head towards the weekend," Stephen Innes, head of trading for Asia Pacific at Oanda, said in a commentary ahead of the opening bell in Japan. "There have been multiple train wrecks over the past 24 hours, and the continuous wall of worry around US yields and US-China tension still weighs on equity sentiment," he said. After a see-saw session on Wall Street, the Dow Jones ended 2.1 per cent down, taking its losses for the week to more than five per cent and closing at the lowest levels in months. Frankfurt, Paris and London all lost at least 1.5 per cent as renewed worries over the eurozone came to the fore amid a budgetary scrap between the European Union and Italy. Some experts warned that the correction, which came after many indices had hit multi-year highs, would be more than a flash in the pan. "When we have a recalibration in values, it's not surprising that it takes more than one day," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley FBR. "In these kinds of moves, it usually takes three days to wash out." Most market watchers saw last week's surge in the yield of the 10-year US Treasury bond as the catalyst for the two-day rout in the US. Yields spiked at an unexpectedly fast rate, prompting worries about a sudden acceleration of inflation and more aggressive Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. Volatility also spread to commodities with big drops in the price of oil after the OPEC cartel cut its forecast for global oil demand. However, these markets also staged a comeback, bouncing around 19 cents in early Asian trade.

Stock losses muted in Asia after global rout

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has invited Pope Francis to Pyongyang, South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Tuesday.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will deliver Kim's invitation when he meets Francis next week during his trip to Europe, Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom told a news briefing.

During the summit of the two leaders last month, Kim told Moon he wanted to invite the pope to North Korea, the spokesman added.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has invited Pope Francis to Pyongyang, South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Tuesday. South Korean President Moon Jae-in will deliver Kim's invitation when he meets Francis next week during his trip to Europe, Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom told a news briefing.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has invited Pope Francis to Pyongyang, South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Tuesday. South Korean President Moon Jae-in will deliver Kim's invitation when he meets Francis next week during his trip to Europe, Blue House spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom told a news briefing. During the summit of the two leaders last month, Kim told Moon he wanted to invite the pope to North Korea, the spokesman added.

North Korea's Kim has invited Pope to Pyongyang, says South Korea

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he had wanted to make Gujarat like South Korea when he was chief minister of the state.&nbsp;

Modi made his comment at the Uttarakhand Investors' Summit held in Dehradun on Sunday.&nbsp;

"Our states have more power than many countries in the world. Compared to many small countries, our states have more potential. I still remember when I became the Chief Minister of Gujarat for the first time on October 7, 2001, I didn't know what the government is, as I lacked experience. I was completely new. So, one journalist came to me and asked such questions so that I give answers which will not allow my journey (as Chief Minister of Gujarat) to take off," ANI quoted Modi as saying at the summit.&nbsp;

"I was asked who I see as my idol for development in Gujarat. Usually, when people are asked this, they say, 'I want to make it like America or like England.' But I gave a different answer," Modi added.&nbsp;

"I was asked who I see as my idol for development in Gujarat. Usually, when people are asked this, they say, 'I want to make it like America or like England.' But I gave a different answer to him. I said that I want to make it (Gujarat) like South Korea. The journalist didn't know anything. Later I explained to him that the population of Gujarat and South Korea are similar... I said that I have studied it so precisely that if we move towards that direction then we will not stop," Modi said.&nbsp;

At the summit, Modi added that the government was modernising 400 railway stations and building a 100 new airports and helipads.&nbsp;

Finally, he added that his government had improved the country's tax system.&nbsp;

"We have improved the tax system in the country. We are trying to make the tax system more swift and transparent. Doing business has become easier due to Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The banking system has also got strengthened. Potential, policy and performance, these are the sources of progress," ANI quoted Modi as saying.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he had wanted to make Gujarat like South Korea when he was chief minister of the state. Modi made his comment at the Uttarakhand Investors' Summit held in Dehradun on Sunday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he had wanted to make Gujarat like South Korea when he was chief minister of the state. Modi made his comment at the Uttarakhand Investors' Summit held in Dehradun on Sunday. "Our states have more power than many countries in the world. Compared to many small countries, our states have more potential. I still remember when I became the Chief Minister of Gujarat for the first time on October 7, 2001, I didn't know what the government is, as I lacked experience. I was completely new. So, one journalist came to me and asked such questions so that I give answers which will not allow my journey (as Chief Minister of Gujarat) to take off," ANI quoted Modi as saying at the summit. "I was asked who I see as my idol for development in Gujarat. Usually, when people are asked this, they say, 'I want to make it like America or like England.' But I gave a different answer," Modi added. "I was asked who I see as my idol for development in Gujarat. Usually, when people are asked this, they say, 'I want to make it like America or like England.' But I gave a different answer to him. I said that I want to make it (Gujarat) like South Korea. The journalist didn't know anything. Later I explained to him that the population of Gujarat and South Korea are similar... I said that I have studied it so precisely that if we move towards that direction then we will not stop," Modi said. At the summit, Modi added that the government was modernising 400 railway stations and building a 100 new airports and helipads. Finally, he added that his government had improved the country's tax system. "We have improved the tax system in the country. We are trying to make the tax system more swift and transparent. Doing business has become easier due to Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. The banking system has also got strengthened. Potential, policy and performance, these are the sources of progress," ANI quoted Modi as saying. (With inputs from ANI)

Had wanted to make Gujarat like South Korea when I was CM: Modi

Two people died and one person is missing in South Korea as powerful typhoon Kong-Rey hit the country on Saturday, the government said.&nbsp;

A 66-year-old man died while crossing a bridge in the city of Gwangju, south of Seoul, the national disaster management agency said without elaborating on the cause of the death.&nbsp;

Another man, aged 83, was found dead after being washed away by a river in a southern county of Yeongdeok, while a 76-year-old went missing after falling into a river in the southern port of Pohang.&nbsp;

The powerful typhoon dumped heavy rain across the country from Friday before moving away from the peninsula Saturday afternoon. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Two people died and one person is missing in South Korea as powerful typhoon Kong-Rey hit the country on Saturday, the government said. A 66-year-old man died while crossing a bridge in the city of Gwangju, south of Seoul, the national disaster management agency said without elaborating on the cause of the death.

Two people died and one person is missing in South Korea as powerful typhoon Kong-Rey hit the country on Saturday, the government said. A 66-year-old man died while crossing a bridge in the city of Gwangju, south of Seoul, the national disaster management agency said without elaborating on the cause of the death. Another man, aged 83, was found dead after being washed away by a river in a southern county of Yeongdeok, while a 76-year-old went missing after falling into a river in the southern port of Pohang. The powerful typhoon dumped heavy rain across the country from Friday before moving away from the peninsula Saturday afternoon.

Two dead, one missing as Typhoon Kong-Rey hits South Korea

A Seoul court on Friday jailed former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak for 15 years, making him the latest in a string of high-profile political and business leaders ensnared by corruption charges.

Lee is the fourth former South Korean president to be jailed, with his successor Park Geun-hye imprisoned over a separate graft scandal that toppled her from power in early 2017 and fed concern over cosy ties between government and business.

Lee faced charges of having accepted around $10 million in illegal funds from companies such as conglomerate Samsung and his own intelligence service, but he denied any wrongdoing, saying the investigation was politically motivated.

A Seoul court on Friday jailed former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak for 15 years, making him the latest in a string of high-profile political and business leaders ensnared by corruption charges.

A Seoul court on Friday jailed former South Korean President Lee Myung-bak for 15 years, making him the latest in a string of high-profile political and business leaders ensnared by corruption charges. Lee is the fourth former South Korean president to be jailed, with his successor Park Geun-hye imprisoned over a separate graft scandal that toppled her from power in early 2017 and fed concern over cosy ties between government and business. Lee faced charges of having accepted around $10 million in illegal funds from companies such as conglomerate Samsung and his own intelligence service, but he denied any wrongdoing, saying the investigation was politically motivated.

South Korea jails former president Lee Myung-bak for 15 years on bribery, other charges

Troops from North and South Korea began removing some landmines along their heavily fortified border on Monday, the South’s defence ministry said, as part of a pact to reduce tension and build trust on the divided peninsula.&nbsp;

Project details were agreed during last month’s summit in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, between its leader, Kim Jong Un, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

In a statement, the ministry said the two sides agreed to remove all landmines in the so-called Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjom within the next 20 days, with military engineers performing the hazardous task on the South Korean side.

There was no immediate confirmation from North Korea that its troops had begun the process.

The deal also provides for removal of guard posts and weapons from the JSA to follow the removal of the mines, with the troops remaining there to be left unarmed.

The JSA is the only spot along the 250-km (155-mile) -long “demilitarised zone” (DMZ) where troops from both Koreas are face to face, and it is also staffed by United Nations troops.&nbsp;
<img alt="North Korea" data-align="center" data-caption="South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a luncheon, in this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on September 21, 2018. (Reuters Photo)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a54fc6bb-fe3b-44a5-be28-e7c54d8e2021" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/North-South-Korea1.JPG" />
File photo: South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a luncheon. (Reuters Photo)

In November 2017, North Korean troops at the JSA shot one of their soldiers defecting to the South five times.

Since then, however, it has been the scene of the first dramatic April summit between Kim and Moon, as well as their second, more low-key meeting, in May.

At the April summit, the two Koreas announced their intention to turn the DMZ - long a symbol of tension and division - into a “peace zone.”

They have already dismantled propaganda loudspeakers and some guard posts along the border.

Demining projects are also set to begin on Monday in Gangwon province in eastern South Korea, to allow teams to search for the remains of soldiers killed in the 1950-1953 Korean War, the ministry added.

More than a million landmines were laid in border areas including the DMZ and the Civilian Control Zone in the South, say demining experts and civilians and soldiers alike have been killed or injured by them.

In 2015, two South Korean soldiers were maimed by what Seoul said was a North Korean landmine, an accusation the North denied.&nbsp;

Troops from North and South Korea began removing some landmines along their heavily fortified border on Monday, the South’s defence ministry said, as part of a pact to reduce tension and build trust on the divided peninsula.

Troops from North and South Korea began removing some landmines along their heavily fortified border on Monday, the South’s defence ministry said, as part of a pact to reduce tension and build trust on the divided peninsula. Project details were agreed during last month’s summit in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, between its leader, Kim Jong Un, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. In a statement, the ministry said the two sides agreed to remove all landmines in the so-called Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjom within the next 20 days, with military engineers performing the hazardous task on the South Korean side. There was no immediate confirmation from North Korea that its troops had begun the process. The deal also provides for removal of guard posts and weapons from the JSA to follow the removal of the mines, with the troops remaining there to be left unarmed. The JSA is the only spot along the 250-km (155-mile) -long “demilitarised zone” (DMZ) where troops from both Koreas are face to face, and it is also staffed by United Nations troops. File photo: South Korean President Moon Jae-in speaks to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a luncheon. (Reuters Photo) In November 2017, North Korean troops at the JSA shot one of their soldiers defecting to the South five times. Since then, however, it has been the scene of the first dramatic April summit between Kim and Moon, as well as their second, more low-key meeting, in May. At the April summit, the two Koreas announced their intention to turn the DMZ - long a symbol of tension and division - into a “peace zone.” They have already dismantled propaganda loudspeakers and some guard posts along the border. Demining projects are also set to begin on Monday in Gangwon province in eastern South Korea, to allow teams to search for the remains of soldiers killed in the 1950-1953 Korean War, the ministry added. More than a million landmines were laid in border areas including the DMZ and the Civilian Control Zone in the South, say demining experts and civilians and soldiers alike have been killed or injured by them. In 2015, two South Korean soldiers were maimed by what Seoul said was a North Korean landmine, an accusation the North denied.

North Korea, South Korea begin removing landmines along fortified border

Social media went crazy and the toddlers were addicted when the "Baby Shark" song first came on, making it to the top of the charts in the UK.&nbsp;

The song, which was originally made by a SmartStudy, a South Korean video and education company that controls the Pinkfong brand, was watched by over 1.6 billion viewers on YouTube.&nbsp;

The tune has swept the world and even sparked its own challenge akin to the Kiki Challenge which sprung up around Drake’s In My Feelings tune.

The song inspired several people to take up the "baby shark challenge" and posting videos of them attempting to copy the easy shark moves in the original video.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
“The Baby Shark Challenge” is apparently a Facebook thing. 
 
The parent in me can’t stop smiling at this video. <a href="https://t.co/myou0ZMtSC">pic.twitter.com/myou0ZMtSC</a>
— K. ✨ (@LifeAsKris) <a href="https://twitter.com/LifeAsKris/status/1030806211590012928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The song also climbed to UK's top 50 charts at the 37th place.

"Baby Shark" is a nursery-rhyme-like song that continuously repeats the line "doo doo doo, doo doo doo doo doo" after naming each member of the shark family.&nbsp;

It was originally released in Indonesia in 2014, and again in 2016, but has only recently become a phenomenon. It is now among the Top 40 most-viewed songs ever, standing at the 35th place.

However, the song recently stirred controversy and has been embroiled in a sexism row over its lyrics. The version of the song in its native South Korea brands the mummy shark "pretty" and the daddy shark "strong".

A South Korean newspaper, Kyunghyang Shinmun, said that the lyrics reinforce sexist prejudices which triggering threats of legal action for copyright infringement from SmartStudy.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Social media went crazy and the toddlers were addicted when the "Baby Shark" song first came on, making it to the top of the charts in the UK. The song, which was originally made by a SmartStudy, a South Korean video and education company that controls the Pinkfong brand, was watched by over 1.

Social media went crazy and the toddlers were addicted when the "Baby Shark" song first came on, making it to the top of the charts in the UK. The song, which was originally made by a SmartStudy, a South Korean video and education company that controls the Pinkfong brand, was watched by over 1.6 billion viewers on YouTube. The tune has swept the world and even sparked its own challenge akin to the Kiki Challenge which sprung up around Drake’s In My Feelings tune. The song inspired several people to take up the "baby shark challenge" and posting videos of them attempting to copy the easy shark moves in the original video. “The Baby Shark Challenge” is apparently a Facebook thing. The parent in me can’t stop smiling at this video. pic.twitter.com/myou0ZMtSC — K. ✨ (@LifeAsKris) August 18, 2018 × The song also climbed to UK's top 50 charts at the 37th place. "Baby Shark" is a nursery-rhyme-like song that continuously repeats the line "doo doo doo, doo doo doo doo doo" after naming each member of the shark family. It was originally released in Indonesia in 2014, and again in 2016, but has only recently become a phenomenon. It is now among the Top 40 most-viewed songs ever, standing at the 35th place. However, the song recently stirred controversy and has been embroiled in a sexism row over its lyrics. The version of the song in its native South Korea brands the mummy shark "pretty" and the daddy shark "strong". A South Korean newspaper, Kyunghyang Shinmun, said that the lyrics reinforce sexist prejudices which triggering threats of legal action for copyright infringement from SmartStudy. ×

Children’s 'Baby Shark' song goes viral, tops UK charts

By Benjamin Habib

Last week’s fifth inter-Korean summit provided another round of iconic moments in a year of extraordinary drama in Korean Peninsula politics.

From Moon Jae-in’s address at the Arirang Mass Games to the leaders’ photo-op on the shores of the crater lake at Paekdusan, the three-day summit produced plenty of symbolism. More importantly, it increased the detail and scope of confidence-building measures agreed in the earlier Panmunjom Declaration.

Much of the commentary in the wake of the summit has focused on what the Pyongyang Declaration means for the potential denuclearisation of North Korea. To view the summit through the narrow lens of nuclear politics would be to overlook the significance of deeper patterns that are emerging from inter-Korean détente.

Filling in the details 
 
The first notable feature of the Pyongyang Declaration is the increased depth of military-to-military confidence-building measures, as articulated in its attached annex. One of the questions emerging from the Panmunjom Declaration related to how that document’s vague commitments to cooperation would be fleshed out in detail.

In the Pyongyang Declaration are measures for increased conflict management procedures and greater operational level consultation. This includes a series of measures along the demilitarised zone (DMZ) and Northern Limit Line maritime boundary to reduce the risk of confrontation.

A holistic approach to security 
 
There is a clear human security focus in the breadth and depth of the Pyongyang Declaration that has moved inter-Korean engagement well beyond denuclearisation. Human security is about protecting individuals and communities from threats to their well-being and survival. This might be from traditional security threats of war or persecution, or from non-traditional threats such as food insecurity, inadequate housing and sanitation, environmental degradation, or pandemic disease.

Growing the web of inter-Korean economic links can improve economic opportunities for North Korean citizens and create mutual interests that decrease the appetite of both governments for conflict. Breaking ground on the construction of east and west transportation corridors was an example of this, along with reopening the Kaesong industrial zone and Geumgangsan tourist precinct.

What’s new here is the establishment of special economic zones and tourist precincts. A large number of South Korean firms are ready to seize on new business opportunities in the North that may result from these openings. For the North, these projects fit within Kim Jong-un’s objective of economic modernisation.

Also of interest is the addition of cooperation on environmental capacity-building and public health. As Myeong Soojeong from the Korea Environment Institute has argued, South and North Korea share connected ecosystems (ecology transcends borders). Environmental degradation in North Korea is likely to increase the cost to South Korea in the event of reunification.

Cooperation on public health and pandemic disease prevention would also benefit the well-being of North Korean people, especially given the North’s well-documented outbreaks of tuberculosis.

From a South Korean perspective, the thinking behind broad-based engagement is that a comprehensive security strategy that improves the human well-being of North Korean citizens can reduce the threat posed by North Korea. By building on these mutual interests, the two Koreas give themselves space to pull back from the dangerous insecurity spirals that have made Korean Peninsula politics so volatile.

Appealing to multiple audiences

The expansion of the scope of engagement plays well politically for domestic constituencies on both sides of the DMZ. Moon has staked enormous political capital on rapprochement with the North, while Kim needs to bring the people with him to legitimise his economic modernisation program and see off internal factions.

From this perspective, the expansion of the family reunion program will be popular on both sides of the DMZ and provide valuable opportunities for separated families to reconnect.

The cultural and sports exchanges are largely symbolic trust-building activities. But these are also an important piece of diplomatic signalling to the international community that the process is serious and now is not a time for confrontation.

The announcement of a joint bid to host the 2032 Summer Olympic Games is particularly poignant, given the importance of this year’s Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in helping to defuse red-hot tensions that had bubbled up through 2017.

We should also not forget the influence of the 1988 Seoul Olympics in opening a greater window of political opportunity for democratisation in South Korea.

Power transitions

It is intriguing that confidence-building measures related to the North’s nuclear program are not mentioned until well into the Pyongyang Declaration. North Korea’s agreement to independently verified dismantlement of its missile launch platform at Dongchang-ri/Sohae is noteworthy. But promises to dismantle infrastructure at the Yongbyon nuclear site are conditional on reciprocal action from the United States, which is far from certain.

Indeed, apart from these two concessions, the Pyongyang Declaration is not really about denuclearisation at all. What’s increasingly clear is that inter-Korean détente is now driving Korean Peninsula politics, and increasingly shaping the agenda of US interactions with the DPRK. The US-ROK alliance remains in place, but the goalposts of this relationship are moving.

All the hype surrounding inter-Korean economic integration notwithstanding, North Korea is not a virgin territory that South Korea can lay claim to. The DPRK is already strongly integrated into China’s economic orbit through trade corridors, Chinese direct investment and the reality of the Chinese yuan as the North’s de facto currency.

By connecting to North Korea through greater infrastructure links, the South will also be opening a connection with China’s vast land-based transportation network and beyond. The geopolitical implications of inter-Korean economic cooperation bringing South Korea closer to the Sinosphere have not received as much attention as they might.

That the inter-Korean process might need to be Trump-proofed illustrates a growing distance between South Korea and the United States in the Trump era. One could indeed make the case that both the South and North Korean governments may not see the US as a credible negotiating partner at this time, given US President Donald Trump’s elastic foreign policy positions, his record of alienating allies, and the likely lack of domestic support for engagement in US foreign policy circles. This was well illustrated by the recent address by Harry Harris, US ambassador to the ROK, stressing “complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearisation” (CVID).

Extraordinarily, Washington’s insistence on CVID now seems out of date given the growing momentum of inter-Korean détente. Moon appears determined to push on with engagement regardless of the US position.

This would have been unthinkable under previous American administrations. Such are the shifting goalposts of power in world affairs in the Trump era.

(Benjamin Habib is Lecturer in International Relations, Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University) 
 
(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/economic-growth-and-trump-proofing-why-the-latest-inter-korea-summit-matters-103598">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

By Benjamin Habib Last week’s fifth inter-Korean summit provided another round of iconic moments in a year of extraordinary drama in Korean Peninsula politics. From Moon Jae-in’s address at the Arirang Mass Games to the leaders’ photo-op on the shores of the crater lake at Paekdusan, the three-day summit produced plenty of symbolism.

By Benjamin Habib Last week’s fifth inter-Korean summit provided another round of iconic moments in a year of extraordinary drama in Korean Peninsula politics. From Moon Jae-in’s address at the Arirang Mass Games to the leaders’ photo-op on the shores of the crater lake at Paekdusan, the three-day summit produced plenty of symbolism. More importantly, it increased the detail and scope of confidence-building measures agreed in the earlier Panmunjom Declaration. Much of the commentary in the wake of the summit has focused on what the Pyongyang Declaration means for the potential denuclearisation of North Korea. To view the summit through the narrow lens of nuclear politics would be to overlook the significance of deeper patterns that are emerging from inter-Korean détente. Filling in the details The first notable feature of the Pyongyang Declaration is the increased depth of military-to-military confidence-building measures, as articulated in its attached annex. One of the questions emerging from the Panmunjom Declaration related to how that document’s vague commitments to cooperation would be fleshed out in detail. In the Pyongyang Declaration are measures for increased conflict management procedures and greater operational level consultation. This includes a series of measures along the demilitarised zone (DMZ) and Northern Limit Line maritime boundary to reduce the risk of confrontation. A holistic approach to security There is a clear human security focus in the breadth and depth of the Pyongyang Declaration that has moved inter-Korean engagement well beyond denuclearisation. Human security is about protecting individuals and communities from threats to their well-being and survival. This might be from traditional security threats of war or persecution, or from non-traditional threats such as food insecurity, inadequate housing and sanitation, environmental degradation, or pandemic disease. Growing the web of inter-Korean economic links can improve economic opportunities for North Korean citizens and create mutual interests that decrease the appetite of both governments for conflict. Breaking ground on the construction of east and west transportation corridors was an example of this, along with reopening the Kaesong industrial zone and Geumgangsan tourist precinct. What’s new here is the establishment of special economic zones and tourist precincts. A large number of South Korean firms are ready to seize on new business opportunities in the North that may result from these openings. For the North, these projects fit within Kim Jong-un’s objective of economic modernisation. Also of interest is the addition of cooperation on environmental capacity-building and public health. As Myeong Soojeong from the Korea Environment Institute has argued, South and North Korea share connected ecosystems (ecology transcends borders). Environmental degradation in North Korea is likely to increase the cost to South Korea in the event of reunification. Cooperation on public health and pandemic disease prevention would also benefit the well-being of North Korean people, especially given the North’s well-documented outbreaks of tuberculosis. From a South Korean perspective, the thinking behind broad-based engagement is that a comprehensive security strategy that improves the human well-being of North Korean citizens can reduce the threat posed by North Korea. By building on these mutual interests, the two Koreas give themselves space to pull back from the dangerous insecurity spirals that have made Korean Peninsula politics so volatile. Appealing to multiple audiences The expansion of the scope of engagement plays well politically for domestic constituencies on both sides of the DMZ. Moon has staked enormous political capital on rapprochement with the North, while Kim needs to bring the people with him to legitimise his economic modernisation program and see off internal factions. From this perspective, the expansion of the family reunion program will be popular on both sides of the DMZ and provide valuable opportunities for separated families to reconnect. The cultural and sports exchanges are largely symbolic trust-building activities. But these are also an important piece of diplomatic signalling to the international community that the process is serious and now is not a time for confrontation. The announcement of a joint bid to host the 2032 Summer Olympic Games is particularly poignant, given the importance of this year’s Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in helping to defuse red-hot tensions that had bubbled up through 2017. We should also not forget the influence of the 1988 Seoul Olympics in opening a greater window of political opportunity for democratisation in South Korea. Power transitions It is intriguing that confidence-building measures related to the North’s nuclear program are not mentioned until well into the Pyongyang Declaration. North Korea’s agreement to independently verified dismantlement of its missile launch platform at Dongchang-ri/Sohae is noteworthy. But promises to dismantle infrastructure at the Yongbyon nuclear site are conditional on reciprocal action from the United States, which is far from certain. Indeed, apart from these two concessions, the Pyongyang Declaration is not really about denuclearisation at all. What’s increasingly clear is that inter-Korean détente is now driving Korean Peninsula politics, and increasingly shaping the agenda of US interactions with the DPRK. The US-ROK alliance remains in place, but the goalposts of this relationship are moving. All the hype surrounding inter-Korean economic integration notwithstanding, North Korea is not a virgin territory that South Korea can lay claim to. The DPRK is already strongly integrated into China’s economic orbit through trade corridors, Chinese direct investment and the reality of the Chinese yuan as the North’s de facto currency. By connecting to North Korea through greater infrastructure links, the South will also be opening a connection with China’s vast land-based transportation network and beyond. The geopolitical implications of inter-Korean economic cooperation bringing South Korea closer to the Sinosphere have not received as much attention as they might. That the inter-Korean process might need to be Trump-proofed illustrates a growing distance between South Korea and the United States in the Trump era. One could indeed make the case that both the South and North Korean governments may not see the US as a credible negotiating partner at this time, given US President Donald Trump’s elastic foreign policy positions, his record of alienating allies, and the likely lack of domestic support for engagement in US foreign policy circles. This was well illustrated by the recent address by Harry Harris, US ambassador to the ROK, stressing “complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearisation” (CVID). Extraordinarily, Washington’s insistence on CVID now seems out of date given the growing momentum of inter-Korean détente. Moon appears determined to push on with engagement regardless of the US position. This would have been unthinkable under previous American administrations. Such are the shifting goalposts of power in world affairs in the Trump era. (Benjamin Habib is Lecturer in International Relations, Department of Politics and Philosophy, La Trobe University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why the latest inter-Korea summit matters

US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a free trade agreement on Monday that Trump hailed as a "historic milestone in trade."

Trump, who has sought to renegotiate trade deals with several countries around the world, said the revised agreement would reduce bureaucracy and increase prosperity in the United States and South Korea.

"Our two countries have set an example of friendship and cooperation for trade that rarely you see in this age," he said.

US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a free trade agreement on Monday that Trump hailed as a "historic milestone in trade." Trump, who has sought to renegotiate trade deals with several countries around the world, said the revised agreement would reduce bureaucracy and increase prosperity in the United States and South Korea.

US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a free trade agreement on Monday that Trump hailed as a "historic milestone in trade." Trump, who has sought to renegotiate trade deals with several countries around the world, said the revised agreement would reduce bureaucracy and increase prosperity in the United States and South Korea. "Our two countries have set an example of friendship and cooperation for trade that rarely you see in this age," he said.

Trump calls new US-South Korea trade deal a historic milestone

Two days after the historic <a href="http://wionews.com/world/japan-eying-abe-kim-summit-with-possible-pyongyang-visit-report-144274">Trump-Kim summit in Singapore</a>, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo, South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono met in Seoul today to work together to ensure North Korea keeps its promise of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula.

During the meeting, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said: "Kim Jong Un's public commitment to completely denuclearise is an important step towards to bring lasting peace and stability to Northeast Asia and indeed to the entire world," adding, "as the president said that this will be a process, and not an easy one, staying closely aligned with our allies."

Pompeo reiterated that Korea and Japan will be critical to the success of North Korea completely dismantling its nuclear infrastructure.

"The world should rest assured that the United States, South Korea and Japan remain committed to achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of North Korea," the US secretary of state said.

The Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono said his country was keen to resolve the nuclear and abductee issue and wanted to "normalise relations with North Korea" and could also offer "economic assistance" to North Korea.&nbsp;

Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono said,&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; "I hope a bilateral summit between Japan and North Korea will be held as a step that can lead to resolving issues, including the abduction. I think various arrangements will be made for realising the summit."

According to a new report, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's office is arranging a meeting with &nbsp;North Korean leader Kim Jong-un possibly in August to discuss all outstanding issues with Abe possibly visiting Pyongyang to mee the North Korean leader.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C4OQVjhm9Zo" width="560"></iframe>

The Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono said his country was keen to resolve the nuclear and abductee issue with North Korea

Two days after the historic Trump-Kim summit in Singapore, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo, South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono met in Seoul today to work together to ensure North Korea keeps its promise of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. During the meeting, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo said: "Kim Jong Un's public commitment to completely denuclearise is an important step towards to bring lasting peace and stability to Northeast Asia and indeed to the entire world," adding, "as the president said that this will be a process, and not an easy one, staying closely aligned with our allies." Pompeo reiterated that Korea and Japan will be critical to the success of North Korea completely dismantling its nuclear infrastructure. "The world should rest assured that the United States, South Korea and Japan remain committed to achieving the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of North Korea," the US secretary of state said. The Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono said his country was keen to resolve the nuclear and abductee issue and wanted to "normalise relations with North Korea" and could also offer "economic assistance" to North Korea. Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono said, "I hope a bilateral summit between Japan and North Korea will be held as a step that can lead to resolving issues, including the abduction. I think various arrangements will be made for realising the summit." According to a new report, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's office is arranging a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un possibly in August to discuss all outstanding issues with Abe possibly visiting Pyongyang to mee the North Korean leader.

After Kim-Trump summit, Pompeo in Seoul to meet foreign ministers from Japan and South Korea

Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif's brother and PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif has asked India to resume peace talks with Islamabad, saying the Singapore summit between the US and North Korea should set a good precedent for both the bickering neighbours to follow.

Marking an epoch in the history of the decades-long tense relationship between the US and North Korea, leaders of the two countries yesterday met in Singapore for a summit where the North's Kim Jong-un pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearisation" in return for security guarantees from Washington.&nbsp;

"Ever since the start of Korean War, the two nations have been at odds with one another - both threatening to use military force with their nuclear arsenals facing each other.

"If the United States and North Korea can return from the brink of a nuclear flashpoint, there is no reason why Pakistan and India cannot do the same ... Beginning with a dialogue on Kashmir whose heroic people have resisted and rejected Indian occupation," Shahbaz Sharif said in a series of tweets.

He further said: "It is time for comprehensive peace talks in our region. International community must focus on the peace process in Afghanistan. Dialogue between Pakistan and India over Kashmir should also resume so that the long-festering Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions."

This is a rare statement from Shahbaz Sharif on India, contrary to his elder brother (Nawaz Sharif) whose one of the major reasons behind his ouster, as many political pundits here say, was his efforts to normalise ties with New Delhi.

Shahbaz, who is a prime ministerial candidate from his party, also asked India to leave behind the past tensions between the arch-rivals and starts afresh.

"The US and North Korea talks should be a role model for Pakistan and Indian. If they can return from their previous hostile positions of attacking each other, Pakistan and India can also resume composite dialogue," he said.

The leader said a dialogue between Pakistan and India over Kashmir was needed to resolve the long-festering dispute in accordance with the United Nations resolutions.

The PML-N chief said if his party returns to power in&nbsp;July 25&nbsp;elections, it will promote peace in the region with a focus on Afghanistan, as peace in Afghanistan is "inextricably intertwined" with peace and security in Pakistan.

He welcomed the initiatives mooted by the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban for ceasefire in Afghanistan during Eid-ul-Fitr.

Terming it as a positive first step towards promoting an Afghan-led Afghan-owned peace process, Shahbaz said the PML-N government had played a pivotal role in initiating steps for peace in Afghanistan, including hosting the first-ever direct, face-to-face talks between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban in Murree in July 2015.

Ever since the start of Korean War, the two nations have been at odds with one another - both threatening to use military force with their nuclear arsenals facing each other

Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif's brother and PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif has asked India to resume peace talks with Islamabad, saying the Singapore summit between the US and North Korea should set a good precedent for both the bickering neighbours to follow. Marking an epoch in the history of the decades-long tense relationship between the US and North Korea, leaders of the two countries yesterday met in Singapore for a summit where the North's Kim Jong-un pledged to work toward the "complete denuclearisation" in return for security guarantees from Washington. "Ever since the start of Korean War, the two nations have been at odds with one another - both threatening to use military force with their nuclear arsenals facing each other. "If the United States and North Korea can return from the brink of a nuclear flashpoint, there is no reason why Pakistan and India cannot do the same ... Beginning with a dialogue on Kashmir whose heroic people have resisted and rejected Indian occupation," Shahbaz Sharif said in a series of tweets. He further said: "It is time for comprehensive peace talks in our region. International community must focus on the peace process in Afghanistan. Dialogue between Pakistan and India over Kashmir should also resume so that the long-festering Kashmir dispute is resolved in accordance with the UN resolutions." This is a rare statement from Shahbaz Sharif on India, contrary to his elder brother (Nawaz Sharif) whose one of the major reasons behind his ouster, as many political pundits here say, was his efforts to normalise ties with New Delhi. Shahbaz, who is a prime ministerial candidate from his party, also asked India to leave behind the past tensions between the arch-rivals and starts afresh. "The US and North Korea talks should be a role model for Pakistan and Indian. If they can return from their previous hostile positions of attacking each other, Pakistan and India can also resume composite dialogue," he said. The leader said a dialogue between Pakistan and India over Kashmir was needed to resolve the long-festering dispute in accordance with the United Nations resolutions. The PML-N chief said if his party returns to power in July 25 elections, it will promote peace in the region with a focus on Afghanistan, as peace in Afghanistan is "inextricably intertwined" with peace and security in Pakistan. He welcomed the initiatives mooted by the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban for ceasefire in Afghanistan during Eid-ul-Fitr. Terming it as a positive first step towards promoting an Afghan-led Afghan-owned peace process, Shahbaz said the PML-N government had played a pivotal role in initiating steps for peace in Afghanistan, including hosting the first-ever direct, face-to-face talks between the Afghan government and the Afghan Taliban in Murree in July 2015.

After US-North Korea summit, PML-N chief Shahbaz Sharif asks India to follow suit

A day after <a href="http://wionews.com/world/north-korea-no-longer-a-nuclear-threat-says-trump-144139">President Trump and Kim Jong-un</a> concluded their talks, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a visit to South Korea said US hopes for major nuclear disarmament by North Korea by 2020.

Speaking to reporters, Pompeo said he hoped for major disarmament in &nbsp;2-1/2 years, adding that "there will be in-depth verification."

North Korean leader <a href="http://wionews.com/world/north-korea-highlights-trump-concessions-on-war-games-after-summit-144140">Kim Jong-un had concluded an agreement </a>with President Trump on Tuesday during the Singapore summit promising to ensure denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, however, the fine print of the agreement wasn't clear leading several experts to doubt the timeline of the nuclear disarmament process.

"Not all of that work appeared in the final document. But lots of other places where there were understandings reached, we couldn't reduce them to writing, so that means there’s still some work to do," Pompeo said as he sought to clear doubts about the deal reached in Singapore between Trump and Kim.

"There was a great deal of work done that is beyond what was seen in the final document that will be the place that we will begin when we return to our conversations," the US secretary of state added.

Pompeo said he would stay engaged with the North Korean officials to continue the process started in Singapore on Tuesday, the US secretary said: &nbsp;"I don’t know exactly what the timing will be for our next conversation with the North Koreans. I would anticipate it will be fairly quickly."

President Trump had declared yesterday that the US and South Korea would no longer be conducting war games along the Korean Peninsula. Pompeo who arrived in South Korea on Wednesday will hold a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday and then hold a trilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

Although US troops are still stationed in South Korea due to a state of war existing between the two Koreas, but Kim during his meeting with Trump in Singapore had resolved to officially bring the 1950 Korean war to an end.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4chqq6gpjmk" width="560"></iframe>

President Trump had declared yesterday that the US and South Korea would no longer be conducting war games along the Korean Peninsula.

A day after President Trump and Kim Jong-un concluded their talks, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on a visit to South Korea said US hopes for major nuclear disarmament by North Korea by 2020. Speaking to reporters, Pompeo said he hoped for major disarmament in 2-1/2 years, adding that "there will be in-depth verification." North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had concluded an agreement with President Trump on Tuesday during the Singapore summit promising to ensure denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, however, the fine print of the agreement wasn't clear leading several experts to doubt the timeline of the nuclear disarmament process. "Not all of that work appeared in the final document. But lots of other places where there were understandings reached, we couldn't reduce them to writing, so that means there’s still some work to do," Pompeo said as he sought to clear doubts about the deal reached in Singapore between Trump and Kim. "There was a great deal of work done that is beyond what was seen in the final document that will be the place that we will begin when we return to our conversations," the US secretary of state added. Pompeo said he would stay engaged with the North Korean officials to continue the process started in Singapore on Tuesday, the US secretary said: "I don’t know exactly what the timing will be for our next conversation with the North Koreans. I would anticipate it will be fairly quickly." President Trump had declared yesterday that the US and South Korea would no longer be conducting war games along the Korean Peninsula. Pompeo who arrived in South Korea on Wednesday will hold a meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Thursday and then hold a trilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. Although US troops are still stationed in South Korea due to a state of war existing between the two Koreas, but Kim during his meeting with Trump in Singapore had resolved to officially bring the 1950 Korean war to an end.

US hopes for major nuclear disarmament by North Korea: US secretary of state Pompeo

By:&nbspLynn T. White III*

At President Donald Trump's summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Kim may promise complete denuclearisation, but Trump should know this goal won't be achieved without progress toward Korean unification and increased contact between South and North Korea.

As a scholar of comparative politics and East Asian studies, I believe that two recent developments – not just one – demand new U.S. policy. So far, the world's attention has been on the first development: the fact that North Korea has nuclear weapons. Less attention has been paid to the second one: recent displays of pan-Korean patriotism.

Let me explain why this second development deserves more scrutiny.

Moving toward one Korea

Most South Koreans, remembering past Northern violence, welcomed April 27, 2018, "Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity, and Unification of the Korean Peninsula." Signing it with Kim, President Moon Jae-in articulated the South’s interests – and raised his domestic popularity – while restraining the U.S. from an attack on the North.

Moon did this once before. On August 17, 2017, he announced a U.S. agreement not to take military action against the North without the South’s prior consent. Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that policy on the same day.

This lessens the chance of conflict. But it also creates a danger for the U.S. If war erupts, Kim might now prefer to hit Americans at bases in Japan, rather than fellow Koreans.

Conventional weapons still a hazard

While these early moves toward stronger relations between the Koreas are a positive sign, the threat of the North's conventional artillery against Seoul remains. Protecting Seoul is a key requirement for South Korea's alliance with the United States.

Seoul has importance even for the North because it is the traditional capital of the whole peninsula. The Joseon dynasty ruled there for half a millennium. Until 1972, the North Korean constitution held that Seoul rather than Pyongyang was legally the capital of all Korea.

So the South has "Korea’s Berlin." Additionally, two-thirds of all Koreans live here and the South’s economy is 35 times larger than the North’s. Its air force and navy are stronger. From K-pop to electronics, the South has remarkable "soft power" too, while the North is addicted to the hard stuff. Pyongyang has multiple weapons of mass destruction.

And while the threat of combat exists, any action is unlikely. The costs of war, as distinct from rhetoric, are prohibitive. The South would suffer, as would the North if the U.S. attacked Kim’s nuclear facilities. He might retaliate by using his artillery against Seoul. National security adviser John Bolton and others in Washington neglect our Korean ally's interests when they focus solely on eliminating North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic capacity.

President Moon, like leaders in Washington, Beijing and Tokyo, would prefer that Pyongyang implement "complete, verifiable, irreversible" denuclearisation.

But Kim believes that Korea's history of division by foreign powers gives him a right not to follow the usual rules.&nbspThis is more important to him than keeping promises. The fact is that Pyongyang has sporadically in past years committed to denuclearisation. It formally withdrew from the Nonproliferation Treaty only in 2003. The Kim dynasty, in other words, did not follow through on its commitment to shed nuclear weapons.

Total, verifiable, irreversible denuclearisation is likely “a bridge too far” in the current context – Kim will not agree to it. In any case, complete verification depends on seeking violations, which is difficult in a dictatorial police state.

Complete denuclearisation will be a matter for the future. Demanding it now will not lead to peace on the peninsula or internationally. It is Korean politics, not just Washington politics, that will affect what happens in both the short and long term. Few guess that Kim will fully surrender his only serious power, no matter what he says.

First, more South-North contacts

Kim cannot restrict the appeal to the North of the South’s lifestyle and prosperity forever. South-North contacts will slowly weaken Kim. His unreliability, the factor that makes him dangerous to the U.S., will be tempered as these contacts with South Korea strengthen. He, together with Moon, has let the genie of patriotism out of the bottle, and I don’t think he’ll be able to put it back.

Others have argued that a united Korea is a bigger threat to the U.S., but as I see it, progress toward Korean reunification would reduce the threat to America. A unified Korea would be safer for the U.S. than Pyongyang now is as an isolated nuclear power.

Northern elites cannot maintain their patriotic pretenses without talking about reunification, even though some there, as in the South, do not want it any time soon. Regime change will eventually come to the North. South Koreans know that more contacts with the North can raise their taxes, even as peace raises their security and reunites divided families.

Trump might willingly be persuaded to accept Kim’s claims about denuclearisation, for the sake of advertising the best "deal" he can get. This would likely only slow Pyongyang's program – not end it anytime soon. Negotiations would take multiple meetings, not just one "summit." A period of South-North links should follow, according to protocols the Panmunjom Declaration has established.

Trump may sooner or later turn down a "denuclearisation-without-sure-verification" deal, but in my opinion it is the best available for the U.S. and our allies.

If a future unified Korea emerges, it will still be surrounded by larger and more powerful China, Japan and Russia. And it could want good relations with the strong-but-more-distant U.S.

Rather than dividing the Koreans’ country, America should encourage them to re-create it.

(Lynn T. White III is Professor Emeritus and current Senior Research Scholar in the Woodrow Wilson School, Politics Department, and East Asian Studies Program of Princeton University.)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

At President Donald Trump's summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Kim may promise complete denuclearisation, but Trump should know this goal won't be achieved without progress toward Korean unification and increased contact between South and North Korea

By: Lynn T. White III* At President Donald Trump's summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Kim may promise complete denuclearisation, but Trump should know this goal won't be achieved without progress toward Korean unification and increased contact between South and North Korea. As a scholar of comparative politics and East Asian studies, I believe that two recent developments – not just one – demand new U.S. policy. So far, the world's attention has been on the first development: the fact that North Korea has nuclear weapons. Less attention has been paid to the second one: recent displays of pan-Korean patriotism. Let me explain why this second development deserves more scrutiny. Moving toward one Korea Most South Koreans, remembering past Northern violence, welcomed April 27, 2018, "Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity, and Unification of the Korean Peninsula." Signing it with Kim, President Moon Jae-in articulated the South’s interests – and raised his domestic popularity – while restraining the U.S. from an attack on the North. Moon did this once before. On August 17, 2017, he announced a U.S. agreement not to take military action against the North without the South’s prior consent. Gen. Joseph Dunford, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that policy on the same day. This lessens the chance of conflict. But it also creates a danger for the U.S. If war erupts, Kim might now prefer to hit Americans at bases in Japan, rather than fellow Koreans. Conventional weapons still a hazard While these early moves toward stronger relations between the Koreas are a positive sign, the threat of the North's conventional artillery against Seoul remains. Protecting Seoul is a key requirement for South Korea's alliance with the United States. Seoul has importance even for the North because it is the traditional capital of the whole peninsula. The Joseon dynasty ruled there for half a millennium. Until 1972, the North Korean constitution held that Seoul rather than Pyongyang was legally the capital of all Korea. So the South has "Korea’s Berlin." Additionally, two-thirds of all Koreans live here and the South’s economy is 35 times larger than the North’s. Its air force and navy are stronger. From K-pop to electronics, the South has remarkable "soft power" too, while the North is addicted to the hard stuff. Pyongyang has multiple weapons of mass destruction. And while the threat of combat exists, any action is unlikely. The costs of war, as distinct from rhetoric, are prohibitive. The South would suffer, as would the North if the U.S. attacked Kim’s nuclear facilities. He might retaliate by using his artillery against Seoul. National security adviser John Bolton and others in Washington neglect our Korean ally's interests when they focus solely on eliminating North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic capacity. President Moon, like leaders in Washington, Beijing and Tokyo, would prefer that Pyongyang implement "complete, verifiable, irreversible" denuclearisation. But Kim believes that Korea's history of division by foreign powers gives him a right not to follow the usual rules.&nbspThis is more important to him than keeping promises. The fact is that Pyongyang has sporadically in past years committed to denuclearisation. It formally withdrew from the Nonproliferation Treaty only in 2003. The Kim dynasty, in other words, did not follow through on its commitment to shed nuclear weapons. Total, verifiable, irreversible denuclearisation is likely “a bridge too far” in the current context – Kim will not agree to it. In any case, complete verification depends on seeking violations, which is difficult in a dictatorial police state. Complete denuclearisation will be a matter for the future. Demanding it now will not lead to peace on the peninsula or internationally. It is Korean politics, not just Washington politics, that will affect what happens in both the short and long term. Few guess that Kim will fully surrender his only serious power, no matter what he says. First, more South-North contacts Kim cannot restrict the appeal to the North of the South’s lifestyle and prosperity forever. South-North contacts will slowly weaken Kim. His unreliability, the factor that makes him dangerous to the U.S., will be tempered as these contacts with South Korea strengthen. He, together with Moon, has let the genie of patriotism out of the bottle, and I don’t think he’ll be able to put it back. Others have argued that a united Korea is a bigger threat to the U.S., but as I see it, progress toward Korean reunification would reduce the threat to America. A unified Korea would be safer for the U.S. than Pyongyang now is as an isolated nuclear power. Northern elites cannot maintain their patriotic pretenses without talking about reunification, even though some there, as in the South, do not want it any time soon. Regime change will eventually come to the North. South Koreans know that more contacts with the North can raise their taxes, even as peace raises their security and reunites divided families. Trump might willingly be persuaded to accept Kim’s claims about denuclearisation, for the sake of advertising the best "deal" he can get. This would likely only slow Pyongyang's program – not end it anytime soon. Negotiations would take multiple meetings, not just one "summit." A period of South-North links should follow, according to protocols the Panmunjom Declaration has established. Trump may sooner or later turn down a "denuclearisation-without-sure-verification" deal, but in my opinion it is the best available for the U.S. and our allies. If a future unified Korea emerges, it will still be surrounded by larger and more powerful China, Japan and Russia. And it could want good relations with the strong-but-more-distant U.S. Rather than dividing the Koreans’ country, America should encourage them to re-create it. (Lynn T. White III is Professor Emeritus and current Senior Research Scholar in the Woodrow Wilson School, Politics Department, and East Asian Studies Program of Princeton University.) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Memo to President Trump on meeting with Kim Jong-un

US President Trump praised<a href="http://wionews.com/world/watch-live-trump-says-only-most-courageous-can-make-peace-after-meeting-kim-143827"> North Korean leader Kim Jong-un </a>calling him "very talented" and a "special person" as he addressed a press conference after an exhilarating day of high-level diplomacy on Tuesday.

Trump, however, <a href="http://wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-commits-to-complete-denuclearisation-of-korean-peninsula-in-joint-text-143794">cautioned that "sanctions </a>on North Korea will remain till Kim dumps nukes", reassuring reporters that Kim had agreed to "complete denuclearisation".

On the question of the North and South Korean war of 1950-53 which ended in an uneasy truce, Trump said," the Korean conflict will end soon," adding that the US has dropped war games in the Korean Peninsula.

"It would be inappropriate to have war games," he said, adding that "we can hope for peace now".

The US president said follow up talks between US-North Korea will take place next week.&nbsp;

"Kim agreed to vigorous negotiations," Trump said. "We are ready to change the world," an elated US president said. "I thank Kim for taking a bold step," he added.

"We are ready to start a new history," Trump said at the press conference.

"North Korea did the right thing by attending the Winter Olympics," he said while trying to de-escalate tensions.

In a joint agreement earlier, Trump and Kim Jong-un agreed to "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula".&nbsp;

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"It would be inappropriate to have war games," he said, adding that "we can hope for peace now"

US President Trump praised North Korean leader Kim Jong-un calling him "very talented" and a "special person" as he addressed a press conference after an exhilarating day of high-level diplomacy on Tuesday. Trump, however, cautioned that "sanctions on North Korea will remain till Kim dumps nukes", reassuring reporters that Kim had agreed to "complete denuclearisation". On the question of the North and South Korean war of 1950-53 which ended in an uneasy truce, Trump said," the Korean conflict will end soon," adding that the US has dropped war games in the Korean Peninsula. "It would be inappropriate to have war games," he said, adding that "we can hope for peace now". The US president said follow up talks between US-North Korea will take place next week. "Kim agreed to vigorous negotiations," Trump said. "We are ready to change the world," an elated US president said. "I thank Kim for taking a bold step," he added. "We are ready to start a new history," Trump said at the press conference. "North Korea did the right thing by attending the Winter Olympics," he said while trying to de-escalate tensions. In a joint agreement earlier, Trump and Kim Jong-un agreed to "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula".

'US has dropped war games in Korean Peninsula, ready to change the world,' says Trump after meeting Kim

A delegation of South Korean officials and civilian experts will&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;visit North Korea to make arrangements for the opening of a liaison office in the North`s border city of Kaesong.

According to the unification ministry, this 14-member team which is led by Vice Unification Minister Chun Hae-sung will leave for Kaesong today to inspect facilities, Yonhap reported.

Following the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un`s and South Korean President Moon Jae-In`s summit in April and May, the two Koreas decided to open the liaison office at an early date in anticipation of increased cross-border exchanges.

From 2004 to 2016, the two Koreas operated the joint industrial complex.

South Korea`s capital with the North's cheap and skilful labour had set a successful example of economic cooperation between the two Koreas.

But, in protest at the North's continued missile and nuclear provocations, South Korea closed the factory park in early 2016.

However, the opening of the liaison office is seen as a first step to implement promises the two leaders made in their recent summits.

In April, North and South Korea agreed to sign a peace treaty formally later this year, ending the 65-year old war between the two countries.

According to the unification ministry, this 14-member team which is led by Vice Unification Minister Chun Hae-sung will leave for Kaesong today to inspect facilities

A delegation of South Korean officials and civilian experts will on Friday visit North Korea to make arrangements for the opening of a liaison office in the North`s border city of Kaesong. According to the unification ministry, this 14-member team which is led by Vice Unification Minister Chun Hae-sung will leave for Kaesong today to inspect facilities, Yonhap reported. Following the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un`s and South Korean President Moon Jae-In`s summit in April and May, the two Koreas decided to open the liaison office at an early date in anticipation of increased cross-border exchanges. From 2004 to 2016, the two Koreas operated the joint industrial complex. South Korea`s capital with the North's cheap and skilful labour had set a successful example of economic cooperation between the two Koreas. But, in protest at the North's continued missile and nuclear provocations, South Korea closed the factory park in early 2016. However, the opening of the liaison office is seen as a first step to implement promises the two leaders made in their recent summits. In April, North and South Korea agreed to sign a peace treaty formally later this year, ending the 65-year old war between the two countries.

South Korean delegation to visit North Korea for liaison office

South Korea's President Moon Jae -in will visit Russia at the invitation of Russia's President Vladimir Putin from June 23 to 25, South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Friday.

In what will be the first state visit by a sitting South Korean president to Russia since 1999, the two leaders are expected to discuss issues such as North Korea's denuclearization and peace on the Korean peninsula, the Blue House said.

"We expect that the summit with President Putin will serve as a chance to further strengthen strategic communication and cooperation between the two countries as peace is developed on the Korean Peninsula," the Blue House said.

The two leaders are expected to discuss issues such as North Korea's denuclearization and peace on the Korean peninsula

South Korea's President Moon Jae -in will visit Russia at the invitation of Russia's President Vladimir Putin from June 23 to 25, South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Friday. In what will be the first state visit by a sitting South Korean president to Russia since 1999, the two leaders are expected to discuss issues such as North Korea's denuclearization and peace on the Korean peninsula, the Blue House said. "We expect that the summit with President Putin will serve as a chance to further strengthen strategic communication and cooperation between the two countries as peace is developed on the Korean Peninsula," the Blue House said.

South Korea's President Moon to visit Russia, meet Putin, on June 23-25

President Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani has claimed that the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un begged for the summit with US President Donald Trump after he cancelled it.

He said the North Korean leader "got on his hands and knees and begged".

While speaking at an investment conference in Israel, Giuliani said Trump cancelled the summit because senior North Korean officials insulted top officials of the Trump administration.

The North Korean officials said they would wage a nuclear war with US and would defeat US in a war, he added.

He further said that the Trump administration refused to hold the summit under "such circumstances".

Giuliani said after Trump's refusal for the summit&nbsp;"Kim Jong-un got back on his hands and knees and begged for it, which is exactly the position you want to put him in", a media reported.

For a long time, Kim and Trump were hurling insults and threats of war with each other.

The rhetoric began to cool during the Winter Olympics in South Korea, and by mid-March, the two sides had agreed to a face-to-face.

After some back-and-forth, June 12 in Singapore has been scheduled for the meeting between the two leaders. 
&nbsp;

While speaking at an investment conference in Israel, Giuliani said Trump cancelled the summit because senior North Korean officials insulted top officials of the Trump administration

President Donald Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani has claimed that the North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un begged for the summit with US President Donald Trump after he cancelled it. He said the North Korean leader "got on his hands and knees and begged". While speaking at an investment conference in Israel, Giuliani said Trump cancelled the summit because senior North Korean officials insulted top officials of the Trump administration. The North Korean officials said they would wage a nuclear war with US and would defeat US in a war, he added. He further said that the Trump administration refused to hold the summit under "such circumstances". Giuliani said after Trump's refusal for the summit "Kim Jong-un got back on his hands and knees and begged for it, which is exactly the position you want to put him in", a media reported. For a long time, Kim and Trump were hurling insults and threats of war with each other. The rhetoric began to cool during the Winter Olympics in South Korea, and by mid-March, the two sides had agreed to a face-to-face. After some back-and-forth, June 12 in Singapore has been scheduled for the meeting between the two leaders.

Kim got on his hands, knees and begged Trump for the summit: Trump’s lawyer Rudy Giuliani

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has come under fire after he kissed an overseas Filipina worker on the lips during a live event.

The incident happened when he was addressing a crowd in South Korea when he called the woman on stage and convinced her to kiss him. Of course, this was not taken well by the people as feminists denounced what they called his "perverted way" of taunting his female critics.

Many Filipinos, however, thought it was a harmless kiss intended to be fun.

The 73-year-old Duterte, whose critics have labeled him a misogynist and say his comments are derogatory and demeaning towards women, dismissed the kiss as just a "gimmick" to entertain supporters at a meet-and-greet event in Seoul.

Social media was abuzz with photos and videos of Duterte on stage before a crowd of Filipinos on Sunday night, when he asked an unidentified audience member to kiss him in exchange for a book he was handing out.

The woman, who admitted she is married and appeared excited to see Duterte in person, agreed.

Duterte then told the cheering crowd of about 3,000: "Don't take it seriously. It's just for fun, a gimmick."

State-run Philippine News Agency identified the woman as Bea Kim and posted a brief video interview with her on its Facebook page.

"There wasn't malice in it," she said. "For me, for him, it didn't mean anything."

It is not the first time Duterte has been accused of inappropriate behaviour towards women.

Duterte's controversial remarks about women include numerous jokes about rape and have incensed activists and foreigners, most notably, Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former US&nbsp;President Bill Clinton. But none have dented the hugely popular leader's domestic support.

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It burns the eyeballs, it cannot be unseen, and it was done right behind the presidential seal. 
 
Let this serve as a reminder of how deeply misogynistic and depraved Duterte is, and how unworthy he is of the presidency. ?‍♂️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DuterteResign?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DuterteResign</a> <a href="https://t.co/FvrLNDj5iN">pic.twitter.com/FvrLNDj5iN</a>
— JC Punongbayan (@jcpunongbayan) <a href="https://twitter.com/jcpunongbayan/status/1003262990760607745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The incident took place in South Korea where the Philippines President asked an unidentified audience member to kiss him in exchange for a book he was handing out

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has come under fire after he kissed an overseas Filipina worker on the lips during a live event. The incident happened when he was addressing a crowd in South Korea when he called the woman on stage and convinced her to kiss him. Of course, this was not taken well by the people as feminists denounced what they called his "perverted way" of taunting his female critics. Many Filipinos, however, thought it was a harmless kiss intended to be fun. The 73-year-old Duterte, whose critics have labeled him a misogynist and say his comments are derogatory and demeaning towards women, dismissed the kiss as just a "gimmick" to entertain supporters at a meet-and-greet event in Seoul. Social media was abuzz with photos and videos of Duterte on stage before a crowd of Filipinos on Sunday night, when he asked an unidentified audience member to kiss him in exchange for a book he was handing out. The woman, who admitted she is married and appeared excited to see Duterte in person, agreed. Duterte then told the cheering crowd of about 3,000: "Don't take it seriously. It's just for fun, a gimmick." State-run Philippine News Agency identified the woman as Bea Kim and posted a brief video interview with her on its Facebook page. "There wasn't malice in it," she said. "For me, for him, it didn't mean anything." It is not the first time Duterte has been accused of inappropriate behaviour towards women. Duterte's controversial remarks about women include numerous jokes about rape and have incensed activists and foreigners, most notably, Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of former US President Bill Clinton. But none have dented the hugely popular leader's domestic support. It burns the eyeballs, it cannot be unseen, and it was done right behind the presidential seal. Let this serve as a reminder of how deeply misogynistic and depraved Duterte is, and how unworthy he is of the presidency. ?‍♂️ #DuterteResign pic.twitter.com/FvrLNDj5iN — JC Punongbayan (@jcpunongbayan) June 3, 2018 ×

Watch: Philippines' Duterte under fire after he kisses woman at event

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

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

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

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

Democratic People's Republic of Korea&nbsp;(DPRK) on Tuesday urged South Korea to scrap a&nbsp;military intelligence-sharing pact&nbsp;with&nbsp;Japan.

North Korea called the deal a hurdle lying in the way of implementing the&nbsp;Panmunjom Declaration.

According to the official&nbsp;Korean Central News Agency&nbsp;(KCNA), "Such dangerous hurdles should be removed without fail as they harm the improvement of the inter-Korean relations and create a war crisis on the&nbsp;Korean Peninsula," Xinhua quoted.

The South Korea-Japan&nbsp;agreement was signed by former South Korean President&nbsp;Park Geun-hye&nbsp;and&nbsp;Japanese Prime Minister&nbsp;Shinzo Abe&nbsp;under the pretext of the "threat from the north,"&nbsp;KCNA&nbsp;said.

Pyongyang has also asked Seoul to repatriate 12&nbsp;DPRK&nbsp;women, who were kidnapped two years ago, by South Korean intelligence, and demanded a halt to joint military exercises with the United States in order to implement their joint declaration issued in Panmunjom.

On April 27, the&nbsp;Panmunjom Declaration&nbsp;for Peace, Prosperity, and Unification of the&nbsp;Korean Peninsula&nbsp;was adopted between the Democratic People's of Republic Korea's Kim Jong-un and the Republic of Korea's Moon Jae-in, during the 2018 inter-Korean Summit.

North Korea applauded the need for achieving a "complete denuclearisation" during the joint declaration of the recently-concluded inter-Korean summit held in Panmunjom on the southern side of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ).

Kim and Moon held the historic summit, which was the first time it was held in South Korea, and the first after 11 years.

The two Koreas agreed to sign a peace treaty formally later this year, ending the six-decades-old war between the two countries. It also agreed to achieve "complete denuclearisation" on the&nbsp;Korean Peninsula.

The Korean War between the two countries took place between 1950-53, which ended with a ceasefire and signing of an armistice agreement.

However, in absence of a peace treaty, the two countries are technically still at war.&nbsp;

North Korea called the deal a hurdle lying in the way of implementing the Panmunjom Declaration

Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Tuesday urged South Korea to scrap a military intelligence-sharing pact with Japan. North Korea called the deal a hurdle lying in the way of implementing the Panmunjom Declaration. According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), "Such dangerous hurdles should be removed without fail as they harm the improvement of the inter-Korean relations and create a war crisis on the Korean Peninsula," Xinhua quoted. The South Korea-Japan agreement was signed by former South Korean President Park Geun-hye and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe under the pretext of the "threat from the north," KCNA said. Pyongyang has also asked Seoul to repatriate 12 DPRK women, who were kidnapped two years ago, by South Korean intelligence, and demanded a halt to joint military exercises with the United States in order to implement their joint declaration issued in Panmunjom. On April 27, the Panmunjom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity, and Unification of the Korean Peninsula was adopted between the Democratic People's of Republic Korea's Kim Jong-un and the Republic of Korea's Moon Jae-in, during the 2018 inter-Korean Summit. North Korea applauded the need for achieving a "complete denuclearisation" during the joint declaration of the recently-concluded inter-Korean summit held in Panmunjom on the southern side of the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ). Kim and Moon held the historic summit, which was the first time it was held in South Korea, and the first after 11 years. The two Koreas agreed to sign a peace treaty formally later this year, ending the six-decades-old war between the two countries. It also agreed to achieve "complete denuclearisation" on the Korean Peninsula. The Korean War between the two countries took place between 1950-53, which ended with a ceasefire and signing of an armistice agreement. However, in absence of a peace treaty, the two countries are technically still at war.

North Korea urges S. Korea to scrap military intelligence pact with Japan

As a top North Korean official <a href="http://wionews.com/world/dprk-urges-s-korea-to-scrap-military-intelligence-pact-with-japan-140879">arrives in New York ahead of President</a> Trump and Kim's talks, Russia announced that foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be going to North Korea for talks.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had visited North Korea last week and met Kim Jong-un in order to prepare the ground for talks with&nbsp;President Trump.

Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are set to meet at Singapore on June 12th with denuclearisation on top of the agenda.

Even as hectic preparations continue, North Korea sent a message to South Korea urging it to scrap the military intelligence-sharing pact with Japan. In a similar move last month, Kim had taken potshots at the South and had rapped President Trump for conducting military drills close to North Korean waters nearly derailing the summit talks.

Pyongyang has also asked Seoul to repatriate 12 women, who were allegedly kidnapped two years ago by South Korean intelligence.

Meanwhile, Kim's trusted ex-spy and four-star general Kim Yong Chol responsible for inter-Korean affairs is set to take up Kim's message to the White House today. The US and South Korea had earlier blacklisted him for supporting North Korea's nuclear programme.&nbsp;

Yong Chol was also reportedly the bodyguard of Kim's late father Kim Jong Il.

As efforts continue to ensure smooth conduct of talks between Kim and Tump, North Korea's allies Russia and China have kept in close touch with country fearing the US may seek to isolate them by handing out trade deals to the reclusive island nation.

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US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had visited North Korea last week

As a top North Korean official arrives in New York ahead of President Trump and Kim's talks, Russia announced that foreign minister Sergey Lavrov will be going to North Korea for talks. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had visited North Korea last week and met Kim Jong-un in order to prepare the ground for talks with President Trump. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are set to meet at Singapore on June 12th with denuclearisation on top of the agenda. Even as hectic preparations continue, North Korea sent a message to South Korea urging it to scrap the military intelligence-sharing pact with Japan. In a similar move last month, Kim had taken potshots at the South and had rapped President Trump for conducting military drills close to North Korean waters nearly derailing the summit talks. Pyongyang has also asked Seoul to repatriate 12 women, who were allegedly kidnapped two years ago by South Korean intelligence. Meanwhile, Kim's trusted ex-spy and four-star general Kim Yong Chol responsible for inter-Korean affairs is set to take up Kim's message to the White House today. The US and South Korea had earlier blacklisted him for supporting North Korea's nuclear programme. Yong Chol was also reportedly the bodyguard of Kim's late father Kim Jong Il. As efforts continue to ensure smooth conduct of talks between Kim and Tump, North Korea's allies Russia and China have kept in close touch with country fearing the US may seek to isolate them by handing out trade deals to the reclusive island nation.

Ahead of Trump-Kim talks, Russian foreign minister Lavrov to visit North Korea

Ahead of talks with Kim, US President Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe agreed that North Korea should completely dismantle it's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missile programs.

Trump and Abe spoke on the phone even as President Trump prepares to meet Kim Jong-un in Singapore on June 12th.

“The president and prime minister affirmed the shared imperative of achieving the complete and permanent dismantlement of North Korea’s nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missile programs,” the White House said in a statement.

The dismantling of nuclear infrastructure has been the bone of contention between the US and North Korea with Kim hitting out at the US a few days ago which nearly put the June 12th summit in jeopardy, later the North Korean backed down and toned down his nuclear rhetoric.

During a telephone call, the pair “discussed recent developments in North Korea and confirmed they would meet again to continue close coordination in advance of the expected meeting between the United States and North Korea,” the White House said.

Japan, a key ally of the US, has been steadfast in its view that North Korea should work towards complete denuclearisation and has often conveyed its point of view to the US openly.

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Trump and Abe spoke on the phone even as President Trump prepares to meet Kim Jong-un in Singapore on June 12th.

Ahead of talks with Kim, US President Trump and Japanese PM Shinzo Abe agreed that North Korea should completely dismantle it's nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missile programs. Trump and Abe spoke on the phone even as President Trump prepares to meet Kim Jong-un in Singapore on June 12th. “The president and prime minister affirmed the shared imperative of achieving the complete and permanent dismantlement of North Korea’s nuclear, chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missile programs,” the White House said in a statement. The dismantling of nuclear infrastructure has been the bone of contention between the US and North Korea with Kim hitting out at the US a few days ago which nearly put the June 12th summit in jeopardy, later the North Korean backed down and toned down his nuclear rhetoric. During a telephone call, the pair “discussed recent developments in North Korea and confirmed they would meet again to continue close coordination in advance of the expected meeting between the United States and North Korea,” the White House said. Japan, a key ally of the US, has been steadfast in its view that North Korea should work towards complete denuclearisation and has often conveyed its point of view to the US openly.

Trump, PM Abe for permanent dismantling of North Korea’s nuclear programme: White House

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

News brief: Big stories of the day

south-korea

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