North Korean negotiator teases and flatters as Pompeo enters second day of talks



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After his first overnight stay in the North Korean capital, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo began Saturday a second day of talks on dismantling the state's nuclear program thug

. Yong Chol, revealed little about the content of their negotiations, leaving the focus on jokes and gossip as the two men struggled with the most pressing security problem in the Asia-Pacific . The former head of espionage teased Pompeo, suggesting that the "serious" negotiations of the previous night may have prevented Pompeo from sleeping.

"We had very serious discussions yesterday on some very important issues, so thinking about these discussions, you may have slept badly last night," said Kim.

"Director Kim, J & I had a very good sleep, "replied Pompeo, according to a pool report provided by the Secretary of State., 1965, Kim said that he needed to" clarify "the aspects of his negotiations of nearly three o'clock Friday with Pompeo, a desire of the highest American diplomat. "

" There are things that I must clarify too, "says Pompeo

.The showcase of discussions between officials north -coreans and Americans, a rarity given the infrequent contacts between long-time adversaries, reveals the tension at the heart of nuclear negotiations and the growing familiarity of the two men who became diplomatic counterparts during Pompeo's three visits to Pyongyang and the visi Kim in New York in May

Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Pompeo was "very firm" in the pursuit of three fundamental goals: the complete denuclearization of North Korea, the security guarantees and the repatriation of remains of US soldiers killed in action during the Korean War. , who spoke of the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations, said that the United States continues to struggle to develop a common understanding of what denuclearization means for North Korea. US authorities have also been frustrated by North Korea's inability to return about 200 remains that would be ready for repatriation.

Adding pressure to Pompeo to achieve tangible results abandoning his nuclear arsenal and missiles.

"I bet it's tense," said Harry Kazianis, an Asian expert at the Center for National Interest. "I've heard that the last sessions between Pompeo and Kim before the Trump-Kim summit have been very lively, and I know that Pompeo is a gentleman in negotiations but he does not shoot."

Nauert said that Pompeo called President Trump on Saturday morning to brief him on the state of the talks, a phone call including the White House chief of staff. John F. Kelly and National Security Advisor John Bolton

After the call, Pompeo returned to the guest house for further meetings with Kim Yong Chol. The two men were joined by rather large delegations who reduced themselves during the day to a few people on each side, according to the pool report.

During the visit, Nauert said, both parties agreed to set up working groups to deal with "serious things," including verification of efforts to achieve denuclearization, but nothing indicated that the North Korean task force would be empowered by Kim Jong Un, an ingredient necessary for any progress.

In another slightly audacious remark, Kim Yong Chol referred to the age of Pompeo highlighting the lush setting of the discussions at the prestigious Paekhwawon guest house

"The Area Around from this Paekhwawon guest house is full of trees and plants. "It's really cool, so it's a good place for people over the age of fifty," he said. Kim. "1965" "That would include me," noted Pompeo, 54, a former congressman from Kansas Yong Chol's remark It seems to be a mixture of Korean humor and diplomatic posture. [19659015] "It's a combination of Kim Yong Chol's unique humor, a little typical Korean talk about health, especially when one reaches the age of a" senior ". Pompeo a hard time, "said Duyeon Kim, a member of the Korean Peninsula Forum." But the last bit is remarkable. What did Kim say the night before, that would have made Pompeo even more uncomfortable? "

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