Pompeo, US Secretary of State, "Closely Monitoring North Korea... Efforts to Prepare for Contingencies"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Bu Aeri] U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on the 30th (local time) regarding rumors about North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's health, "We are working to be fully prepared for any contingency."

In a phone interview on the 'Scott Sands Show' that day, when asked, "What can you tell us about what is really happening in North Korea?" Pompeo replied, "We know that we have not been able to confirm his public appearances for over two weeks now," adding, "It's not something unheard of, but it is unusual."

He then avoided specific comments, saying, "However, beyond that, there is not much I can share with you today."

Pompeo added, "We are closely monitoring the situation."

He emphasized, "We are working to make it clear that we are prepared for any contingency."

Pompeo stated, "And President Donald Trump has made it clear that regardless of what is happening, we have a very prominent mission," explaining, "That mission includes ensuring that the country does not possess nuclear weapons and fulfilling the conditions of the Singapore Agreement, which guarantees a brighter future for the North Korean people."

When the host mentioned satellite photo reports, saying, "I saw this morning that his (Kim's) personal train and yacht were in a coastal town. However, it does not seem like he is just on vacation. No matter how backward North Korea is, if he is still alive, they would have the technology to distribute photos taken on the coast," Pompeo avoided a direct answer, stating, "We are watching very closely."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.