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US diplomat engaging in back-channel diplomacy with North Korea
Source: Associated Press
US diplomat engaging in back-channel diplomacy with North Korea
• It was known the U.S. and North Korea had discussions to secure the June release of an American university student. But it wasn't known that the exchanges have continued.
• The contacts are occurring regularly between Joseph Yun, the U.S. envoy for North Korea policy, and Pak Song Il, a senior North Korean diplomat at the country's U.N. mission.
• The diplomats have discussed other Americans imprisoned in North Korea and the deteriorating relations between the two countries.
Published 36 Mins Ago
Beyond the bluster, the Trump administration has been quietly engaged in back channel diplomacy with North Korea for several months, addressing Americans imprisoned in the communist country and deteriorating relations between the long-time foes, The Associated Press has learned.
It had been known the two sides had discussions to secure the June release of an American university student. But it wasn't known until now that the contacts have continued, or that they have broached matters other than U.S. detainees.
People familiar with the contacts say the interactions have done nothing thus far to quell tensions over North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile advances, which are now fueling fears of military confrontation. But they say the behind-the-scenes discussions could still be a foundation for more serious negotiation, including on North Korea's nuclear weapons, should President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un put aside the bellicose rhetoric of recent days and endorse a dialogue.
-snip-
• It was known the U.S. and North Korea had discussions to secure the June release of an American university student. But it wasn't known that the exchanges have continued.
• The contacts are occurring regularly between Joseph Yun, the U.S. envoy for North Korea policy, and Pak Song Il, a senior North Korean diplomat at the country's U.N. mission.
• The diplomats have discussed other Americans imprisoned in North Korea and the deteriorating relations between the two countries.
Published 36 Mins Ago
Beyond the bluster, the Trump administration has been quietly engaged in back channel diplomacy with North Korea for several months, addressing Americans imprisoned in the communist country and deteriorating relations between the long-time foes, The Associated Press has learned.
It had been known the two sides had discussions to secure the June release of an American university student. But it wasn't known until now that the contacts have continued, or that they have broached matters other than U.S. detainees.
People familiar with the contacts say the interactions have done nothing thus far to quell tensions over North Korea's nuclear weapons and missile advances, which are now fueling fears of military confrontation. But they say the behind-the-scenes discussions could still be a foundation for more serious negotiation, including on North Korea's nuclear weapons, should President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un put aside the bellicose rhetoric of recent days and endorse a dialogue.
-snip-
Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2017/08/11/us-diplomat-engaging-in-back-channel-diplomacy-with-north-korea.html
