US Extends Humanitarian Aid to North Korea
Focus on Potential Breakthrough in North Korea-US Negotiation Deadlock
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State, stated on the 15th (local time) that many efforts are underway to advance denuclearization talks with North Korea.
In a virtual discussion with the U.S. think tank Atlantic Council on the same day, Secretary Pompeo expressed regret regarding North Korea, saying, "We had hope that we could make further progress and that Kim Jong-un (North Korea) would take a different direction," but added, "However, I remain optimistic."
He explained, "Although it has been publicly quiet, many ongoing efforts still exist," adding, "There are efforts by ourselves, our allies Japan and South Korea, and even efforts with North Korea."
The fact that Secretary Pompeo mentioned ongoing efforts with North Korea is noteworthy. His remarks can be seen as indicating that behind-the-scenes work is taking place amid the stalemate in North Korea-U.S. talks.
In particular, the U.S. has recently extended a conciliatory hand to North Korea by emphasizing humanitarian aid in light of North Korea’s recent flood disaster and concerns over the novel coronavirus infection. The U.S. has been promoting multiple-visit special confirmations when Red Cross delegations or journalists visit North Korea.
In a recent broadcast interview, Secretary Pompeo said North Korea "faces economic challenges and the risk of COVID-19. We hope to provide humanitarian aid to help them."
David Stilwell, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, also mentioned North Korea’s floods and typhoons on the 14th, emphasizing the need to resume serious dialogue.
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