CNN: US Vice President Mike Pence was set to meet with North Korean officials, but they canceled
US Vice President Mike Pence was set to meet with North Korean officials, including Kim Jong Un's sister, during his politically charged visit to the Winter Olympics in South Korea earlier this month, his office confirmed on Tuesday.
But the North Koreans pulled out of the meeting before it could happen. Pence's office said they believed the abrupt cancellation was a sign that US attempts to exert pressure on the regime were working.
"North Korea dangled a meeting in hopes of the vice president softening his message, which would have ceded the world stage for their propaganda during the Olympics," said Nick Ayers, Pence's chief of staff.
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More News On The White House Reporting That North Korea Cancelled A Meeting With Vice President Pence At The Last Minute
Pence was set to meet with North Korean officials during the Olympics before last-minute cancellation -- Washington Post
US: North Korea canceled meeting with Pence at last minute -- AP
Secret Pence, N. Korea meeting planned, then scrapped -- AFP
North Korean officials canceled planned meeting with Pence: Pence's office -- Reuters
North Korea canceled Olympics meeting with Mike Pence at last minute -- Washington Times
North Korea cancelled Mike Pence meeting last minute, White House says -- The Guardian
North Korea backed out of secret meeting with Pence, US says -- NBC
North Korea Walked Away From Pence Meeting in South Korea -- Wall Street Journal
Pence, North Korea 'planned secret Olympic meeting' -- FRANCE 24
Mike Pence was supposed to meet secretly with North Korean leaders in South Korea -- The Independent
North Korean officials abruptly canceled meeting with Mike Pence -- VOX
3 comments:
Mike Pence agreed to meet with the North Koreans at the Olympics, but they pulled out at the last minute after the VP threatened aggressive sanctions
Fred, I see this as a tough call. On the one hand Pence could not avoid meeting North Korean defectors or refrain from criticizing North Korea and what should be done about it. If he did this it would have been a propaganda coup for North Korea and it would have sent a wrong message to American allies in the region. On the other hand you do want to talk to them .... to initiate a dialogue and to find common ground. My guess is that when the North Koreans realized that there was going to be no benefit from having such a public display of talks .... and that the U.S. may actually criticize the North (the U.S. did not agree to the protocol on what was to be discussed at these talks) .... they backed away. Bottom line .... I think this could have been handled better, but both sides failed on taking advantage of an opportunity.
you are correct. I am not sure just when our guy threatened but clearly that is not a way to begin what are supposed to be talks to achieve a better understanding..you know, walk softly etc...Teddy R.
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