ugc_banner

Trump's North Korea talks not theatre, he will solve a problem: CIA chief Pompeo

WION Web Team
Washington, DC, USAUpdated: Mar 12, 2018, 01:18 AM IST
main img
File photo. Photograph:(Reuters)

Story highlights

South Korean official Chung Eui-yong had announced last Thursday that Kim and Trump will meet in May for talks on denuclearisation.

Days after US president Trump surprised everyone, including his White House staff that he was open to meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, CIA director Mike Pompeo backed Trump's decision declaring that Kim's regime was under threat due to the state of the economy.

"Never before have we had the North Koreans in a position where their economy was at such risk, where their leadership was under such pressure," Pompeo said.

As critics lashed out at Trump for seemingly trying to divert attention over several controversies plaguing the White House, the CIA director said: "The president isn’t doing this for theatre, he is going there to solve a problem."

"Make no mistake: while these negotiations are going on, there will be no concessions made," Pompeo asserted.

Meanwhile, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said he won't be speaking about the North Korean talks as White House and State Department were leading the initiative.

"This is a diplomatically led effort," Mattis said, adding,""When you get into a position like this, the potential for misunderstanding remains very high... so I want those who are actually engaging in the discussions to be the ones who answer all media questions about it."

South Korean official Chung Eui-yong had announced last Thursday that Kim and Trump will meet in May for talks on denuclearisation.

Mattis was among the senior officials present in the White House when Trump accepted the invitation.