Kim Jong-un still doubts US security commitment

South Korean President (left) shakes hands with North Korean leader in surprise meeting on May 26. Photo:Yonhap.

"Kim Jong-un expressed his desire to end the history of war and confrontation through the success of the US-North Korea summit, moving towards cooperation for peace and prosperity. However, he does not trust the US in ending its hostile policy, nor in committing to security guarantees when Pyongyang denuclearizes itself,"AFPquoted South Korean President Moon Jae-in said today.

South Korean President and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had a surprise meeting at the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on May 26 to discuss measures to pave the way for the US-North Korea summit.

Moon Jae-in has asked Kim Jong-un to find a way to salvage the event, urging Washington and Pyongyang to "eliminate misunderstandings through direct communication and maintain dialogue on the summit topics." The South Korean president affirmed that the North Korean leader accepted the proposal and reaffirmed his commitment to denuclearization.

President Trump announced on May 24 that he had canceled the summit with the North Korean leader because of Pyongyang's "hostile actions", surprising the world. However, Trump today said he expected the event to take place on June 12 in Singapore as originally planned, affirming that everything was "progressing very well" and that both sides had goodwill.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in mid-May that Washington has no intention of invading or seeking regime change in Pyongyang. Past negotiations have often collapsed because Pyongyang fears Washington is a major threat to the survival of the North Korean government.

vnexpress.net