Paraguay tells Pompeo: 'We have to combat' Maduro - Washington Examiner

Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro must be “fought against” to ensure that he leaves power, a top regional diplomat said Saturday after a meeting with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

“We have said always with dictators, with tyrants, we do not dialogue,” Paraguayan Foreign Minister Luis Castiglioni told reporters. “Tyrants and dictators are combated, are fought against. We have to combat them in order to recover the basic liberties of the Venezuelan people so they can live with dignity again, once again.”

Pompeo traveled to the capital city of Asunción as part of a four-country swing through Latin America this weekend, where he is meeting with partner governments to fortify opposition to Maduro. Paraguay is a member of the Lima Group, a 12-country bloc of nations that coordinated with President Trump’s administration to denounce Maduro and recognized top opposition lawmaker Juan Guaido as the legitimate interim president in January.

“We are convinced that all the diplomatic effort to isolate that regime will have results in a short time,” Castiglioni said when asked if Paraguay would support a military intervention against Maduro. “It’s going to have concrete results, and these results will be seen from the reaction of the people of Venezuela, of the very armed forces of Venezuela’s.”

Maduro has retained control of the Venezuelan military through the assistance of Cuban security officials, backed by diplomatic support from Russia and China. The Venezuelan crisis has occasioned a high-profile diplomatic fight between the three major world powers over who is intervening illegitimately into Venezuelan affairs.

"Everyone knows about Venezuela, the blitzkrieg change failed, but the Americans do not refuse the goal of overthrowing the legitimate president,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Saturday, drawing an apparent analogy between Pompeo’s diplomatic efforts and the Nazi tactics used at the beginning of the Second World War.

“The Americans even dragged out the notorious Monroe Doctrine out of the woodwork,” said Lavrov. “They do not seem to understand that they are opposing themselves to the entire Latin American world and not only to the Latin American world.”

Pompeo derided those “hypocritical” criticisms throughout his trip. “It’s almost funny to say, right?” He told Voice of America on Saturday. “The Cubans own the security apparatus ... the people of Venezuela, want their own security. They want their own democracy. They want Venezuelans to lead their nation, not people from a small island, not people from Russia.”

Castiglioni’s sharp rhetoric helped underscore Pompeo’s argument that Maduro is opposed by key regional nations, not just the United States. “It is also a commitment of Paraguay to defend democracy, public freedoms, human rights, will be beyond our borders,” he said. “It will be in the region, in the hemisphere, and in the whole world.”

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2019-04-13 21:00:00Z
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Sudan's military begins talks with protesters as curfew lifted - Aljazeera.com

Sudan's ruling military council has begun talks with the organisers of mass protests demanding a civilian-led transition to democracy after the overthrow of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir.

Saturday's meeting in the capital, Khartoum, came as the new leader of the council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, promised to hand over power to a civilian government within two years following consultations with opposition groups.

Omar al-Digair, head of the 10-member delegation representing the protesters, told reporters the group delivered their demands to the military, including the formation of a civilian-led transitional government and the release of protesters. He did not elaborate further.

The military overthrew Bashir on Thursday after almost four months of protests calling for an end to his nearly 30-year rule. General Awad Ibn Auf had initially taken over as the head of the military council, but he resigned just a day later amid a public outcry, with protesters saying he was too close to the deposed leader.

Burhan, who replaced Ibn Auf, previously served as the general inspector of the armed forces and had met the protesters in the streets after Bashir's removal to listen to their demands.

The commander of the paramilitary Rapid Support Force, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemeti, was appointed as Burhan's deputy late on Saturday. A day after a-Bashir's removal, Hemeti had previously urged the military council to hold talks with protesters. 

Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the new chief of Sudan's ruling military council, vowed to 'uproot the regime' of deposed leader Omar al-Bashir [Sudan TV/AFP]

Burhan, in his first televised address to the nation, said talks would include "all the people of Sudan, including political parties and civil society groups". 

The military council will rule the country for up to two years until elections, he said, reiterating a position outlined by the council the previous day. However, he lifted the nighttime curfew imposed on Thursday, which was to last for a month from 10pm to 4am, and vowed to "uproot the regime" of Bashir and its symbols.

He also promised to bring to justice those involved in the killing of protesters. 

'This will not stand'

Activists, however, have said they will remain on the streets until a civilian transitional government, as outlined in the so-called Declaration of Freedom and Change signed by various political and professional groups in January, is formed.

They fear the military, which is dominated by Bashir loyalists, will rule indefinitely or hand power to one of its own.

Speaking to reporters minutes before Burhan's address, political parties and movements behind the protests said they were ready to meet the military to discuss the transition and announced the formation of a 10-member delegation to introduce the people's demands to the military council.

190412194737727

"We and all the opposition parties refuse to hand over power to the military. We want a totally civil leadership," said Salah Sanhori, a member of the Baath Party.

Meanwhile, the Sudanese Professionals Association, the umbrella group at the forefront of the protests, urged demonstrators to continue a seven-day sit-in outside the army headquarters in Khartoum.

Al Jazeera's Hiba Morgan, reporting from the capital, said despite Burhan's apparent conciliatory gestures, key differences remain.

"It's very hard to see the military council saying to the protests' organisers: 'We will step back and let you run the show'," she said, adding: "Ultimately, those who will decide the fate of the council and the talks are the people who have been protesting for nearly four months now."

Hassan Zain, a protester, welcomed talks between the two groups, but said he felt Burhan's speech was "no different" to that by Ibn Auf. 

"This will not stand," he told Al Jazeera from Khartoum. "A two-year transition period is too long. They [military council] need to shorten this period."

He added: "People are still upset and are still protesting outside the army headquarters." 

Intelligence chief resigns

Sudan's protests began in December, sparked by high food prices, but quickly escalated into an uprising against Bashir, who seized power in a bloodless military coup in 1989.

Security forces loyal to Bashir responded to the protests with a violent crackdown, killing dozens of protesters, according to activists.

The Sudan Doctors Committee says at least 38 people, including six soldiers who intervened to protect the protesters, have been killed since the sit-ins began on April 6. A spokesman for the police said at least 16 people were killed by stray bullets at protests and sit-ins on Thursday and Friday. 

Earlier on Saturday, the state-run media announced the resignation of Lieutenant General Salah Abdallah Gosh, who as the head of the National Intelligence and Security Services had overseen the crackdown against the protesters.

Once a member of the president's inner circle, Gosh was sacked as an adviser in April 2011 for criticising the government. He was arrested the following year on suspicion of involvement in a coup attempt, but was later pardoned by Bashir, who appointed him the intelligence chief in February 2018.

Mohammed Amin contributed in this report from Khartoum

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2019-04-13 19:18:00Z
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Sudan's military begins talks with protesters as curfew lifted - Aljazeera.com

Sudan's ruling military council has begun talks with the organisers of mass protests demanding a civilian-led transition to democracy after the overthrow of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir.

Saturday's meeting in the capital, Khartoum, came as the new head of the council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, promised to hand over power to a civilian government within two years following consultations with opposition groups.

"I invite all the people of Sudan, including political parties and civil society groups to engage in dialogue," al-Burhan said in his first televised address to the nation.

The military overthrew Bashir on Thursday after almost four months of protests calling for an end to his nearly 30-year rule. General Awad Ibn Auf had initially taken over as the head of the military council, but he resigned just a day later amid a public outcry, with protesters saying he was too close to the deposed leader.

Al-Burhan, who previously served as the general inspector of the armed forces, had met the protesters in the streets after Bashir's removal and listened to their demands.

The protesters have said they will remain on the streets until a civilian transitional government, as outlined in the so-called Declaration of Freedom and Change signed by various political and professional groups in January, is formed.

They fear the military, which is dominated by Bashir loyalists, will rule indefinitely or hand power to one of its own.

Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the new chief of Sudan's ruling military council, vowed to 'uproot the regime' of deposed leader Omar al-Bashir [Sudan TV/AFP]

Speaking to reporters minutes before al-Burhan's address, political parties and movements behind the protests said they were ready to meet the military to discuss the transition and announced the formation of a 10-member delegation to introduce the people's demands to the military council.

"We and all the opposition parties refuse to hand over power to the military. We want a totally civil leadership," said Salah Sanhori, a member of the Baath Party.

'This will not stand'

Meanwhile, the Sudanese Professionals Association, the umbrella group at the forefront of the protests, urged demonstrators to continue a seven-day sit-in outside the army headquarters in Khartoum.

The meeting between the protest organisers and the military leaders was taking place inside the compound.

190412194737727

Al Jazeera's Hiba Morgan, reporting from the capital, said despite al-Burhan's apparent conciliatory gestures, key differences remain.

"It's very hard to see the military council saying to the protests' organisers: 'We will step back and let you run the show'," she said, adding: "Ultimately, those who will decide the fate of the council and the talks are the people who have been protesting for nearly four months now."

Hassan Zain, a protester, welcomed talks between the two groups, but said he felt Burhan's speech was "no different" to that by Ibn Auf. 

"This will not stand," he told Al Jazeera from Khartoum. "A two-year transition period is too long. They [military council] need to shorten this period." He added: "People are still upset and are still protesting outside the army headquarters." 

Sudan's protests began in December, sparked by high food prices, but quickly escalated into an uprising against Bashir, who seized power in a bloodless military coup in 1989.

Security forces loyal to Bashir responded to the protests with a violent crackdown, killing dozens of protesters, according to activists.

The Sudan Doctors Committee says at least 38 people, including six soldiers who intervened to protect the protesters, have been killed since the sit-ins began on April 6. A spokesman for the police said at least 16 people were killed by stray bullets at protests and sit-ins on Thursday and Friday. 

In his address, al-Burhan promised to bring to justice those involved in the killing of protesters and lifted a nighttime curfew imposed by his predecessor. He also vowed to "uproot the regime" of Bashir and its symbols.

Earlier on Saturday, the state-run media announced the resignation of Lieutenant General Salah Abdallah Gosh, who as the head of the National Intelligence and Security Services had overseen the crackdown against the protesters.

Once a member of the president's inner circle, Gosh was sacked as an adviser in April 2011 for criticising the government. He was arrested the following year on suspicion of involvement in a coup attempt, but was later pardoned by Bashir, who appointed him the intelligence chief in February 2018.

Mohammed Amin contributed in this report from Khartoum

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https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/04/sudan-military-begins-talks-protesters-curfew-lifted-190413150125313.html

2019-04-13 16:42:00Z
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Sudan's military begins talks with protesters as curfew lifted - Aljazeera.com

Sudan's ruling military council has begun talks with the organisers of mass protests demanding a civilian-led transition to democracy after the overthrow of longtime ruler Omar al-Bashir.

Saturday's meeting in the capital, Khartoum, came as the new head of the council, Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, promised to hand over power to a civilian government within two years following consultations with opposition groups.

"I invite all the people of Sudan, including political parties and civil society groups to engage in dialogue," al-Burhan said in his first televised address to the nation.

The military overthrew Bashir on Thursday after almost four months of protests calling for an end to his nearly 30-year rule. General Awad Ibn Auf had initially taken over as the head of the military council, but he resigned just a day later amid a public outcry, with protesters saying he was too close to the deposed leader.

Al-Burhan, who previously served as the general inspector of the armed forces, had met the protesters in the streets after Bashir's removal and listened to their demands.

The protesters have said they will remain on the streets until a civilian transitional government, as outlined in the so-called Declaration of Freedom and Change signed by various political and professional groups in January, is formed.

They fear the military, which is dominated by Bashir loyalists, will rule indefinitely or hand power to one of its own.

Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the new chief of Sudan's ruling military council, vowed to 'uproot the regime' of deposed leader Omar al-Bashir [Sudan TV/AFP]

Speaking to reporters minutes before al-Burhan's address, political parties and movements behind the protests said they were ready to meet the military to discuss the transition and announced the formation of a 10-member delegation to introduce the people's demands to the military council.

"We and all the opposition parties refuse to hand over power to the military. We want a totally civil leadership," said Salah Sanhori, a member of the Baath Party.

'This will not stand'

Meanwhile, the Sudanese Professionals Association, the umbrella group at the forefront of the protests, urged demonstrators to continue a seven-day sit-in outside the army headquarters in Khartoum.

The meeting between the protest organisers and the military leaders was taking place inside the compound.

190412194737727

Al Jazeera's Hiba Morgan, reporting from the capital, said despite al-Burhan's apparent conciliatory gestures, key differences remain.

"It's very hard to see the military council saying to the protests' organisers: 'We will step back and let you run the show'," she said, adding: "Ultimately, those who will decide the fate of the council and the talks are the people who have been protesting for nearly four months now."

Hassan Zain, a protester, welcomed talks between the two groups, but said he felt Burhan's speech was "no different" to that by Ibn Auf. 

"This will not stand," he told Al Jazeera from Khartoum. "A two-year transition period is too long. They [military council] need to shorten this period." He added: "People are still upset and are still protesting outside the army headquarters." 

Sudan's protests began in December, sparked by high food prices, but quickly escalated into an uprising against Bashir, who seized power in a bloodless military coup in 1989.

Security forces loyal to Bashir responded to the protests with a violent crackdown, killing dozens of protesters, according to activists.

The Sudan Doctors Committee says at least 38 people, including six soldiers who intervened to protect the protesters, have been killed since the sit-ins began on April 6. A spokesman for the police said at least 16 people were killed by stray bullets at protests and sit-ins on Thursday and Friday. 

In his address, al-Burhan promised to bring to justice those involved in the killing of protesters and lifted a nighttime curfew imposed by his predecessor. He also vowed to "uproot the regime" of Bashir and its symbols.

Earlier on Saturday, the state-run media announced the resignation of Lieutenant General Salah Abdallah Gosh, who as the head of the National Intelligence and Security Services had overseen the crackdown against the protesters.

Once a member of the president's inner circle, Gosh was sacked as an adviser in April 2011 for criticising the government. He was arrested the following year on suspicion of involvement in a coup attempt, but was later pardoned by Bashir, who appointed him the intelligence chief in February 2018.

Mohammed Amin contributed in this report from Khartoum

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2019-04-13 16:00:00Z
52780266841167

Sudan coup: Military leader vows to 'uproot regime' - BBC News

The leader of Sudan's interim military council has vowed to "uproot the regime" two days after a military coup.

Speaking on TV, Lt-Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan announced the restructuring of state institutions, the end of a night curfew and the release of political prisoners.

Protests continue despite the ousting of long-time leader Omar al-Bashir.

Demonstrators have demanded an immediate move to civilian rule and vow to stay in the streets.

Using a more conciliatory tone, Gen Burhan also dissolved all provincial governments and pledged respect for human rights.

The army would maintain "peace, order and security" across Sudan during an already announced transition period. It would last at most two years, he said, until elections could be held and civilian rule introduced.

He also called on the opposition to "help us restore normal life", promised to try those who killed demonstrators, and vowed a war on corruption.

• Sudan unrest: The key questions
• Bashir ousted: How Sudan got here

The speech followed the resignation of feared security chief Gen Salah Gosh hours after the coup leader himself, Defence Minister Awad Ibn Auf, stepped aside.

No official reason has been given for either departure.

What has the opposition said?

Privately-owned Sudan News 365 reports that opposition leaders are meeting with the military to discuss "transitional arrangements".

The Sudan Professionals Association (SPA), which has been spearheading the demonstrations, has called on the armed forces to "ensure the immediate transfer of power to a transitional civilian government."

Omar el-Digeir, leader of the opposition Sudanese Congress Party, said the military should not be "the sole custodians of power".

A growing economic crisis has gripped the country since the oil-rich southern part split away in 2011, and Thursday's coup followed months of unrest over rising prices.

How did we get here?

When Mr Bashir was removed, he was replaced by a military council led by Mr Ibn Auf.

But demonstrators camping out outside army headquarters in Khartoum refused to disperse, rejecting Mr Ibn Auf as an ally of Mr Bashir.

On Friday the new leader announced he was resigning and being replaced by Gen Burhan, who is seen as a less controversial figure.

Protestors have called for the abolition of "arbitrary decisions by leaders that do not represent the people" and the detention of "all symbols of the former regime who were involved in crimes against the people".

"Until these demands are fully met, we must continue with our sit-in at the General Command of the Armed Forces," the SPA said.

On Saturday, Sudanese TV reported the resignation of Gen Gosh, head of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) which has powerful forces within the capital.

The general has been a key ally of Mr Bashir since the early 1990s and is among 17 Sudanese officials indicted for genocide, human right abuses and war crimes in the Darfur region by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2009.

The NISS has extensive powers and influence, supervising the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

At least 16 people have been killed by stray bullets at the protests since Thursday, police say.

Momentum with the protesters

By Catherine Byaruhanga, BBC reporter

The momentum is clearly with the protesters. They have forced out two powerful generals in just a matter of days. NISS, which Gen Gosh headed, exemplified the ruthlessness of security forces under Mr Bashir's regime.

There is however anger that Gen Gosh is not being arrested for alleged human rights abuses. The SPA has called for the disbandment of NISS.

And interestingly soon after Gen Gosh's resignation was announced, the SPA released the names of its negotiating team. In the past they said they would not publish any names for fear they would be targeted. The fact that they can do so now suggests there could be room for talks with the military council.

But in his first address Gen Burhan insisted the council would govern for two years. This idea has been rejected by opposition groups who demand a civilian transitional government. They have asked for demonstrations to continue until this happens.

What will happen to Bashir?

He has also been indicted by the ICC on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.

But the military council has said it will not extradite Mr Bashir, who denies the charges, although he may be put on trial in Sudan.

• What next for Sudan's 'master manipulator'?

Mr Ibn Auf was head of military intelligence during the Darfur conflict and the US imposed sanctions on him in 2007.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47918736

2019-04-13 14:39:38Z
52780266841167

Sudan coup: Military leader vows to 'uproot regime' - BBC News

The leader of Sudan's interim military council has vowed to "uproot the regime" two days after a military coup.

Lt-Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman announced the "restructuring of state institutions", in a televised address.

His announcement came as protests against the authorities continued, despite the ousting of long-time leader, Omar al-Bashir.

Protesters have demanded an immediate move to civilian rule and vowed to stay in the streets.

In his address, Gen Burhan announced the end of a curfew, confirmed the release of jailed protesters and dissolved all provincial governments.

The army would maintain "peace, order and security" across Sudan during an already announced transition period.

It would last at most two years, he said, until elections could be held and civilian rule introduced.

He also called on the opposition to "help us restore normal life", and promised to try those who killed demonstrators.

• Sudan unrest: The key questions
• Bashir ousted: How Sudan got here

The speech came after the resignation of feared security chief Gen Salah Gosh hours after the coup leader himself, Defence Minister Awad Ibn Auf, stepped aside.

No official reason has been given for either departure.

What has the opposition said?

Privately-owned Sudan News 365 reports that opposition leaders are meeting with the military on Saturday to discuss "transitional arrangements".

The Sudan Professionals Association (SPA), which has been spearheading the demonstrations, has called on the armed forces to "ensure the immediate transfer of power to a transitional civilian government."

Omar el-Digeir, leader of the opposition Sudanese Congress Party, said the military should not be "the sole custodians of power".

A growing economic crisis has gripped the country since the oil-rich southern part split away in 2011, and Thursday's coup followed months of unrest over rising prices.

How did we get here?

When Mr Bashir was removed, he was replaced by a military council led by Mr Ibn Auf.

But demonstrators camping out outside army headquarters in Khartoum refused to disperse, rejecting Mr Ibn Auf as an ally of Mr Bashir.

On Friday the new leader announced he was resigning and being replaced by Lt-Gen Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman Burhan, who is seen as a less controversial figure.

But the move failed to satisfy protesters who have kept up their sit-in in the capital.

They called for the abolition of "arbitrary decisions by leaders that do not represent the people" and the detention of "all symbols of the former regime who were involved in crimes against the people".

"Until these demands are fully met, we must continue with our sit-in at the General Command of the Armed Forces," the SPA said.

On Saturday, Sudanese TV reported the resignation of Gen Gosh, head of the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) which has powerful forces within the capital.

The general has been a key ally of Mr Bashir since the early 1990s and is among 17 Sudanese officials indicted for genocide, human right abuses and war crimes in the Darfur region by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2009.

The NISS has extensive powers and influence, supervising the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

At least 16 people have been killed by stray bullets at the protests since Thursday, police say.

Momentum with the protesters

By Catherine Byaruhanga, BBC reporter

The momentum is clearly with the protesters.

They have forced out two powerful generals in just a matter of days. NISS, which Gen Gosh headed, exemplified the ruthlessness of security forces under Bashir's regime.

There is however anger that Gen Gosh is not being arrested for alleged human rights abuses. The SPA had called for the disbandment of NISS.

And interestingly soon after Gen Gosh's resignation was announced the SPA released the names of its negotiating team. In the past they said they would not publish any names for fear they would be targeted.

The fact that they can do so now suggests there could be room for talks with the military council.

But in his first address Gen Burhan insisted the council would govern for two years. This idea has been rejected by opposition groups who demand a civilian transitional government. They have asked for demonstrations to continue until this happens.

What will happen to Bashir?

He has also been indicted by the ICC on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.

But the military council has said it will not extradite Mr Bashir, who denies the charges, although he may be put on trial in Sudan.

• What next for Sudan's 'master manipulator'?

Mr Ibn Auf was head of military intelligence during the Darfur conflict and the US imposed sanctions on him in 2007.

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https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-47918736

2019-04-13 14:26:15Z
52780266841167

North Korea's Kim says US should reach nuclear deal by end of year | TheHill - The Hill

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has laid down an end-of-year marker for the United States to agree to terms for a nuclear deal while signaling he may agree to a third summit with President TrumpDonald John TrumpAppeals court rules Trump admin can temporarily continue to send asylum seekers back to Mexico Federal investigation finds rampant sexual harassment at company led by Trump nominee: report Booker on Trump reportedly floating pardon for border official: 'That should shake every American' MORE.

Kim said that he will wait "till the end of this year" for the U.S. to decide to be more flexible in negotiations, North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported Saturday, according to Reuters.

“It is essential for the U.S. to quit its current calculation method and approach us with a new one,” Kim was quoted as saying during a speech to the Supreme People’s Assembly, the country's rubber-stamp legislature.

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Trump responded to Kim's comments Saturday morning on Twitter, writing that "our personal relationship remains very good" and that "a third Summit would be good in that we fully understand where we each stand."

"I look forward to the day, which could be soon, when Nuclear Weapons and Sanctions can be removed, and then watching North Korea become one of the most successful nations of the World!" he added.

I agree with Kim Jong Un of North Korea that our personal relationship remains very good, perhaps the term excellent would be even more accurate, and that a third Summit would be good in that we fully understand where we each stand. North Korea has tremendous potential for.......

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 13, 2019

....extraordinary growth, economic success and riches under the leadership of Chairman Kim. I look forward to the day, which could be soon, when Nuclear Weapons and Sanctions can be removed, and then watching North Korea become one of the most successful nations of the World!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 13, 2019

Trump's second summit with Kim, held in late February in Vietnam, ended abruptly while failing to produce any agreement for denuclearization following months of negotiations over the country's missile and nuclear programs.

Their previous meeting last June in Singapore was hailed as an opportunity to establish goodwill but also did not produce a specific deal to lift sanctions in exchange for Pyongyang abandoning its nuclear and missile efforts.

Trump said Thursday that he wants to keep sanctions on North Korea while he works toward resuming talks with Kim following their latest meeting.

“We want sanctions to remain in place,” Trump told reporters during an Oval Office meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Trump added that he believes sanctions are at a “fair” level.

Kim said in his speech reported Saturday that the summit earlier this year in Hanoi made him question the strategy he embraced for talks last year with the U.S.

The North Korean leader said the Vietnam summit “aroused a strong question if we were right in taking the steps with strategic decision and bold resolution, and evoked vigilance as to the U.S.’ true willingness to improve its relations with the DPRK,” the initials of North Korea’s official name.

Kim called offers floated by the U.S. "absolutely impractical," arguing that the administration did "not really ready itself to sit with us face-to-face and settle the problem," according to Reuters.

“We will wait for a bold decision from the U.S. with patience till the end of this year but I think it will definitely be difficult to get such a good opportunity as the previous summit,” Kim added.

Trump had said Thursday that "a third summit could happen" but that it might include South Korea's Moon as well, as opposed to his first two one-on-one summits with Kim.

Updated: 8:12 a.m.

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2019-04-13 11:58:24Z
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