Day 2 starts in Pyongyang but some progress made on Day 1? Yonhap says "working groups" have formed to discuss key issues of denuclearization. Well, if so then the so-called progress is mainly procedural, not substantive. But a step forward nonetheless
yonhapnews.co.kr/politics/2018/…
yonhapnews.co.kr/politics/2018/…
Per ABC, "trust building" once again dominated the meeting on Day One. Kim Yong-chol: "The more you come, more trust we can build between one another." Heather Nauert tried to lower expectations and said no deliverables or timelines may be offered by NK
abcnews.go.com/Politics/pompe…
abcnews.go.com/Politics/pompe…
"Don't expect deliverables like a timeline/blueprint for denuking, an accounting of NK's weapons & facilities or even an update on the status of American remains from the Korean War." So what resulted after 3 hours and breaking the ice once again is who will staff working groups
Maybe not much progress yet but this Bloomberg reporter notices Pompeo must like corn puree; he had some with Kim Yong-chol at the Corinthian Condo. Heck yeah, he's from the Corn Belt (Kansas). Kwajul are traditional Korean snacks. "Nutritious boiled rice"
As for Rainbow Trout Marinated in Coriander & Parboiled Oak Mushrooms, hope they weren't picked from Punggye-ri. Rainbow trouts and mushrooms from the region became contaminated and disappeared per reports and even Unif Minister Cho was made aware of it
Don't have to be a fly on the wall. Some snippets of the dialogue are here:
"Pres Trump is committed to a brighter future for NK. The path toward complete denuclearization in building a relationship between our 2 countries is vital for a brighter NK ... "
"Pres Trump is committed to a brighter future for NK. The path toward complete denuclearization in building a relationship between our 2 countries is vital for a brighter NK ... "
Incidentally why is Kim Yong-chol still leading discussion and not Ri Yong-ho as reported? Ri would be a denuclearization specialist but NK might be emphasizing all aspects of Singapore's joint communique: establishing relations, building peace regime & sending Korean War remains
Analysts think NK trying to diffuse focus from denuclearization as much as possible. For that, KYC still might be ideal. Also, forming several working groups is a typical distraction tactic: the same thing happened in 2005 and working gps served to distract from the task at hand
This clip sums up Pompeo's third trip to Pyongyang.
Ambassador Bolton doing "Twist and Shout."
Ambassador Bolton doing "Twist and Shout."
