North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly said he would give up his nation’s nuclear weapons if the United States vows it won’t invade North Korea.
The New York Times reported remarks from a South Korean official, who recounted Kim’s remarks in the historic meeting between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
{mosads}“I know the Americans are inherently disposed against us, but when they talk with us, they will see that I am not the kind of person who would shoot nuclear weapons to the south, over the Pacific or at the United States,” Kim said, as detailed by South Korean spokesman Yoon Young-chan.
President Trump is preparing for his own talks with Kim, which could take place in the coming weeks.
Trump pushed back against critics of his forthcoming meeting with Kim, saying he will not allow Pyongyang to take advantage of him.
“We’re not going to be played, OK? We’re going to hopefully make a deal, if not that’s fine,” Trump said Friday.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also said in a Sunday show interview that the administration has its “eyes wide open” when it comes to North Korea.
“We know the history. We know the risks. We’re going to be very different. We’re going to negotiate in a different way than has been done before. We’re going to require those steps — we use the word irreversible with great intention,” Pompeo told ABC’s “This Week.”
“We’re going to require those steps that demonstrate that denuclearization is going to be achieved. We’re not going to make promises. We’re not going to take words. We’re going to look for actions and deeds.”