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Donald Trump said the US was having “very productive talks with North Korea”, suggesting the June 12 meeting with its leader Kim Jong-un which he cancelled could be back on.
The US president had earlier on Friday praised the “warm and productive” statement issued by North Korea following his abrupt decision on Thursday to pull the plug on the Singapore summit.
On Friday night, he seemed optimistic that the meeting could still take place on the original date.
“We are having very productive talks with North Korea about reinstating the Summit which, if it does happen, will likely remain in Singapore on the same date, June 12th., and, if necessary, will be extended beyond that date,” he saod.
His change in tone came after a senior North Korean official expressed “great regret” at America’s withdrawal and insist the regime remained open to talks “at any time”.
James Mattis, the US defence secretary, also said the meeting could take place on June 12 as first planned, providing “our diplomats can pull it off”.
Whether the logistics and policy planning could take place in the time remaining – a little over a fortnight – remains in much doubt.
A senior White House official cited North Korea’s failure to attend a planning meeting in Singapore and lack of communication when explaining Mr Trump’s initial decision to cancel the summit.
But on Friday, North Korea appeared to have reopened diplomatic channels. It also issued an even-toned message that raised hopes the original meeting could take place.
China, who Mr Trump has publicly blamed for Kim’s more critical tone on talks in recent weeks, urged both America and North Korea to “show goodwill”.
Lu Kang, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman, said: “The recent easing situation on the peninsula is hard won, the political settlement process is faced with a rare historic opportunity.
“We believe as the parties directly engaged on the issue, the summit of North Korea and US can play a crucial role for promoting the denuclearisation of the peninsula.
“Under the current circumstances we hope both North Korea and the US can cherish the recent positive progress, stay patient, show goodwill, move in the same direction and continue to stay committed to promoting the denuclearisation of the peninsula.”
–
Telegraph
