Pompeo: "Will Focus on Denuclearization Regardless of North Korea Situation"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that he will continue to focus on denuclearization regardless of the internal situation in North Korea, including the health condition of Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea.

According to foreign media such as CNN, on the 29th (local time), Secretary Pompeo avoided giving a direct answer when asked at a State Department press conference about the risks within North Korea depending on whether Chairman Kim maintains power and whether the U.S. has plans in place in case of Kim’s incapacitation or loss of authority.

Secretary Pompeo introduced that President Donald Trump and he himself have had opportunities to meet with Chairman Kim and Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, among other North Korean leaders, then explained, "Regardless of what happens within the North Korean leadership, our mission remains the same," adding, "That is complete denuclearization, verifiable denuclearization."

He emphasized, "We remain hopeful that we will find a way to negotiate a solution that produces good results for the American people, the North Korean people, and the world," and stated, "No matter what happens, our mission will not change." In response to a follow-up question about whether the mission would become more difficult if Chairman Kim were not present, he said, "There is much to be done regarding that. We will continue to focus on it."

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