Geneva, Switzerland | AFP | Pentagon Papers whistleblower Daniel Ellsberg called Friday on the Pentagon chief to “protect us” from President Donald Trump by resisting orders to launch military actions or use nuclear weapons. “The situation is closer to the possible use of nuclear weapons since any time I would …
Read More »N. Korea ready to discuss denuclearization with US: report
Washington, United States | AFP | North Korean officials have told their US counterparts that Kim Jong Un is ready to discuss denuclearization, an assurance that could pave the way for a meeting with President Donald Trump, reports said Sunday. It is the first time the offer was made directly to …
Read More »Kim Jong Un attends rare concert by South Korean pop stars
Seoul, South Korea | AFP | North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Sunday attended the first concert in Pyongyang for over a decade by South Korean entertainers, including a K-pop girlband, the latest gesture of reconciliation before a rare inter-Korean summit. The visit, described by many as a cultural charm …
Read More »Kim says N. Korea to take part in 2020, 2022 Olympics: IOC chief
Beijing, China | AFP | Kim Jong Un is committed to sending North Korean teams to the Tokyo and Beijing Olympics, IOC chief Thomas Bach said Saturday after a rare meeting with the leader of the nuclear-armed regime in Pyongyang. Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee, also said …
Read More »UN blacklists dozens of ships, businesses over N. Korea smuggling
United Nations, United States | AFP | The UN Security Council on Friday blacklisted 27 ships, 21 companies and a businessman for helping North Korea circumvent sanctions, as the United States keeps up pressure on Pyongyang despite its recent overtures toward talks, diplomats said. Acting on a request from the …
Read More »Trump says ‘good chance’ Kim will give up nukes
Washington, United States | AFP | US President Donald Trump, who has agreed to meet with Kim Jong Un, said Wednesday there is a now a good chance the North Korean leader will give up his country’s nuclear weapons. “For years and through many administrations, everyone said that peace and …
Read More »North Korea’s Kim meets China’s Xi on first foreign trip
Beijing, China | AFP | North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was treated to a lavish welcome by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a secretive trip to Beijing as both sides seek to repair frayed ties ahead of landmark summits with Seoul and Washington. On his first trip abroad since …
Read More »Trump’s choice of Bolton and Pompeo stirs war fears
Washington, United States | AFP | By tapping conservative firebrand John Bolton as his national security chief and hardliner Mike Pompeo as his top diplomat, US President Donald Trump has dramatically raised the stakes in world affairs. Now, if Trump decides to abandon the Iran nuclear deal he has an adviser …
Read More »Mattis won’t talk about situation in North Korea
Mattis Muscat, Oman | AFP | US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said Sunday he would not be speaking about the delicate situation with North Korea, saying the White House and State Department are leading the negotiations. “This is a diplomatically led effort,” Mattis told reporters when asked about a possible meeting …
Read More »Trump sees ‘tremendous success’ in upcoming N. Korea talks
Moon Township, United States | AFP | President Donald Trump predicted “tremendous success” Saturday in upcoming groundbreaking talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and suggested the reclusive state wants to “make peace” despite a years-long nuclear standoff. The comments came after the American leader said he has received encouragement …
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