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President Trump cancels summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un

WION Web Team
Washington, DC, USAUpdated: May 24, 2018, 09:59 PM IST

A combination photo of US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Photograph:(AFP)

Story highlights

The development comes even as North Korea today dismantled its nuclear site at Punggye-ri. 

President Trump today cancelled the June 12th summit talks with Kim Jong-un which was to be held in Singapore.

The development comes even as North Korea today dismantled its nuclear site at Punggye-ri.

In a letter to Kim, Trump said the meeting requested by North Korea was "totally irrelevant". 

"Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate at this time to have the long-planned meeting," Trump said in the letter.

"You talk about your nuclear capabilities, but ours are so massive and powerful that I pray to God they will never have to be used," the US president wrote.

"If you change your mind having to do with this most important summit, please do not hesitate to call me or write. The world and North Korea, in particular, has lost a great opportunity for lasting peace and great prosperity and wealth," he said, adding,"this missed opportunity is a truly a sad moment in history."

North Korea's vice foreign minister had said today that the future of the summit between Pyongyang and Washington was "entirely" up to the United States while criticising US president Mike Pence for comparing North Korea to Libya.

Trump in his letter said: "I felt a wonderful dialogue was building up between you and me, and ultimately, it is only that dialogue that matters. Someday, I look very much forward to meeting you."

The US president thanked Kim for releasing the hostages earlier in the month, calling it a "beautiful gesture very much appreciated".