President Donald Trump has called off his planned June 12 summit in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
“I was very much looking forward to being there with you (in Singapore),” Trump said in a letter to Kim released by the White House. “Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate at time time to have this long planned meeting.”
North Korea recently threatened to pull out of the summit after U.S. officials called for a Libya model approach, which involved the country’s total nuclear dismantlement before any concessions were granted. Pyongyang has called for a gradual process that links early concessions to incremental denuclearization measures.
“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,” Trump said in his letter.
He added that if North Korea changes its 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. This missed opportunity is a truly sad moment in history,” he said.
On Thursday, North Korea shut down its Punggye-ri nuclear test site on Thursday to demonstrate its commitment to denuclearization.
Source: VOA
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