Posted on 05/31/2018 3:35:23 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
Kim Jong-un 'Nervous About Leaving N.Korea'
By Lee Yong-soo
May 31, 2018 11:27
Defectors claim North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is nervous about leaving Pyongyang in case the unruly military stages a coup in his absence as he heads to Singapore for a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.
"Except for visiting China twice this year, Kim Jong-un has never left North Korea since taking power," a senior defector said. "And this will be the first time he leaves Pyongyang on a preset date so he is probably worried about a lot of things."
Kim's daily schedule is shared only among a select few party officials, and any reports in the state media are published only after his trips or public appearances have taken place.
But the date of the summit in Singapore has already been announced. One source said, "If there are any factions in North Korea that are opposed to the Kim Jong-un regime, they will know exactly when to act."
(Excerpt) Read more at english.chosun.com ...
P!
Fatboy better find some safe place - like a Krispy Kreme.
He saw what happened to his uncle.
Well, we can hope there’s a coup while he’s gone
No more godly breakfasts!
Won’t happen until our midterms have passed.
He’d be more likley to survive a coup if he wasn’t there during it.....
MODERATOR: Okay, [Senior State Department Official]. So [Senior State Department Official] will give you guys a little background. [Senior State Department Official], go right ahead.
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: You want to why dont we just fire away? Go ahead and start (inaudible).
QUESTION: Whats the --
QUESTION: Well so we have these (inaudible) trying to get at for like two weeks now (inaudible). We have these three concentric circles (inaudible). What is this what is this (inaudible)?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: The Presidents point on North Korea policy is Secretary of State Pompeo. Previously it was CIA Director Pompeo. He is the Presidents point person. In the DMZ area, we have a team led by Ambassador Sung Kim. Theyre working on trying to see if we can come to an agreement on the content of a possible meeting in Singapore. And then weve got a team in Singapore. Theyre working on (inaudible) the logistics (inaudible).
QUESTION: Does that mean like the shape of the table, who walks in first?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Well, its everything from (inaudible) yeah, its everything from (inaudible) to protocol issues and --
QUESTION: So just --
QUESTION: And what but then, lastly, what is this team (inaudible)?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Kim Yong-chol is Kim Jong-uns point person on (inaudible). Im sorry, Kim Yong-chol is Kim Jong-uns point person (inaudible). So the two top dogs on each side are meeting to see what needs to be done in the two weeks (inaudible) for the possibility of a summit.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) when you think of (inaudible), what about denuclearization (inaudible)?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Well, Im not going to go into the details. The Secretarys been very clear and the Presidents been very clear. I think in all of our (inaudible) messaging weve been clear that what were looking for is CVID complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization. And in order for a summit to be successful, the North Koreans have to do things that they have not done before.
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Thats where were beginning a negotiation. And for obvious reasons, I cant go into the details. (Inaudible) you need some diplomatic space in order to work (inaudible).
QUESTION: Can you just go into (inaudible) what kind of food did they have tonight, like some of the details about what are they doing? Are they having Iowa Scotch?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Islay. Islay. (Inaudible.) Islay. (Inaudible) your Scotch.
QUESTION: What --
QUESTION: So can you say even (inaudible) those little details (inaudible)?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Yeah. Well, look --
MODERATOR: Sorry. My kids are Facetiming me.
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: -- half of diplomacy is getting to know who youre talking to. This is the third time that Secretary Pompeo has met with (inaudible). Its the first time Vice Chairman Kim has (inaudible) trying to get to know each other.
QUESTION: Its his first time?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Its his first time to come to the States. Hes trying to get to know (inaudible).
QUESTION: But with so little time before this (inaudible) summit happens, during these meetings with Pompeo, are you expecting the North Koreans to agree to concrete things that you already have laid out?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Well, between now and if were going to have a summit, theyre going to have to make clear what theyre willing to do.
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: That decision is 100 percent in the hands of the President, and the President can make a fly or no fly decision (inaudible).
QUESTION: (Inaudible) wants to see now here (inaudible) is if the gaps between your definition of (inaudible) denuclearization and theirs is reachable by June 12th?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: We want to see if we have the makings of a successful summit.
QUESTION: But what youre saying --
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Its that simple. Any time you have a summit, be it with the president of Ghana or the head of New Zealand, you do some preparatory work to figure out what it is thats going to be (inaudible). Thats what were doing.
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Of what kind?
QUESTION: On the United States what they would require for the summit to be successful?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: (Inaudible.) We had discussions. I wont go into the details of those for obvious reasons, but in similar types of discussions, we lay out what we expect to have happen, and the other side lays out what they expect.
QUESTION: But this is just broad parameters. Youre not actually expecting action between now and June 12th. You dont want weapons inspectors on the ground tomorrow. Youre expecting just an agreement in principle to take future action.
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: I dont want to go into that degree of detail, I really dont. I can tell you in broad brush what the goal is, is denuclearization. Also, as I think the President has made clear and Secretary Pompeo has made clear, the North Koreans have defined what they want as security, and they have determined some years ago that security could be found with nuclear weapons. What we have to convince them is that, on the contrary, their nuclear program has made them less secure, that theres a better path forward, that we can work with them. Were willing to work with them to provide them the security guarantees they feel they need, and in fact, were willing to go beyond that to help them have greater economic prosperity. But they have to denuclearize.
QUESTION: But all these things have been said by the Secretary and by the President from the Oval Office.
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Correct.
QUESTION: So theyre looking for something more than words.
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: We need action. Yeah, we need a commitment.
QUESTION: No, they want (inaudible).
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Well see what --
QUESTION: Because youve said all these things, right?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Well see. Look, I think youre right, but lets see what we can do.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) --
MODERATOR: Guys --
QUESTION: -- one-day summit, are you --
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Im sorry, I didnt --
QUESTION: Given that this is just a one-day summit, are you going to be satisfied (inaudible) that is not (inaudible)?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Well, I mean, the President made clear that hes willing to stay on beyond (inaudible). I think we are looking for something historic. I think were looking for something that has never done before. And be it for whatever reason the North Koreans say theyre not ready to do something like that (inaudible). We will ramp up the pressure on them and well be ready for the day that hopefully they are.
QUESTION: Whats changed in the past week since the Presidents letter to Kim Jong-un? (Inaudible.)
QUESTION: He kind of spun it.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) can have the meeting?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: I think the North Koreans my own speaking personally, my own interpretation of Vice Foreign Minister Kim Kye-gwans letter in response its about the most conciliatory letter Ive ever seen (inaudible).
QUESTION: Its what (inaudible)?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: One of the most conciliatory letter Ive ever seen (inaudible).
QUESTION: Its not?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: It is. It is. I think that there was (inaudible).
QUESTION: Are you going to be discussing pulling nuclear warheads, nuclear weapons out of North Korea in this meeting?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: I would not go into details. We are talking about denuclearization.
QUESTION: What needs to happen tonight?
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: You guys have photographers there. I mean, you guys --
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
QUESTION: No we dont.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) meeting --
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Oh. Well, there will be enough photographers. Youll be able to figure it out.
MODERATOR: I have some pictures I can start to show you of the dinner. And its interesting; [Senior State Department Official] talks about the Secretarys talked about this a lot, sort of the idea of a brighter future and painting that for North Korea.
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: A brighter future.
MODERATOR: A brighter future for North Korea, and theres an interesting picture of the Secretary looking out on the skyline, sort of motioning to that, like the idea of heres New York City, look at the landmarks.
QUESTION: (Inaudible) some day this will all be yours one (inaudible)? (Laughter.)
QUESTION: Everything the light touches.
MODERATOR: Ill show you.
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: With the eye on the sky.
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
MODERATOR: I dont know. Let me double-check on that, okay?
QUESTION: Is there something specific --
QUESTION: (Inaudible) like are they having kimchi? I mean, were going to see --
MODERATOR: Gardiner, Im going to get you the menu.
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Well get you the menu.
MODERATOR: Just for you. Yeah, dont worry, Ill get (inaudible).
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: And I will remind you that the Secretary of State is from the heartland and likes American food, and hes hosting someone whos never been to our country.
QUESTION: Steak and corn on the cob?
QUESTION: So steak.
MODERATOR: Well, Ill let you know. Ill let you know.
QUESTION: I thought they turned down the economic offer, though. I mean, that statement from the North Koreans that mentioned Bolton down towards the end was also a rejection of the economic offer.
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Thats why were having talks face to face and not corresponding either through the newspapers or letters. I think making statements publicly and making statements in letters has a purpose when you dont have an ability to talk otherwise, but the ideal thing is whats happening right here, whats happening in the DMZ, and whats happening in Singapore.
QUESTION: So you do think economic incentives are there, that other than lifting sanctions? The idea of private investment that Secretary Pompeo talked about, the best of the Midwest and all of this?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: We are talking about a brighter future for North Korea if it makes a smart choice (inaudible).
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
MODERATOR: Weve got to wrap it up. Last couple questions.
QUESTION: What do you need --
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
PARTICIPANT: (Off-mike.)
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Ah, yeah. All right.
QUESTION: There --
PARTICIPANT: (Off-mike.)
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Okay.
QUESTION: There were reports in the South Korean media about a letter being brought to Pompeo directly from Chairman Kim. Is that something that youre expecting, direct communication to Trump, or --
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Well, I dont know. President Trump sent a letter to Chairman Kim. Its customary when you send a letter like that that a letter comes in return. Well have to see.
QUESTION: Would Pompeo would Secretary Pompeo (inaudible) letter (inaudible) conveyor or hes also talked (inaudible) since Secretary Pompeo (inaudible) if there should be a meeting (inaudible). Is that --
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: It that could be the way it plays out. Im not positive (inaudible).
QUESTION: You mean a trip to Washington (inaudible)?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: No, no. I think that delivering the letter to the President would be something if there is such a letter is something that Kim Yong-chol came to the United States prepared to do, and well have to see. Well --
QUESTION: What do you mean by that when you say delivering a letter to personally?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Well, I dont I would be surprised if he physically delivers the letter to the President, but again, well have to see. His counterpart in the preparation for the summit has been the Secretary of State, so I think it would be perfectly natural, if there is a letter destined for the President, that he would give it to the Secretary of State.
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
MODERATOR: I think thats guys, I think thats hold on. I think thats far too hypothetical, because youre presuming that theres some sort of letter, and to have [Senior State Department Official] quoted and talking about this --
QUESTION: (Inaudible) leading us in that direction saying that its (inaudible).
MODERATOR: Understood, understood, but --
QUESTION: (Inaudible.) Is the expectation that, given the short time (inaudible) signals and (inaudible) communicated in these meetings that by the end of tomorrow youll know one way or the other whether you would whether they would be (inaudible) have a summit (inaudible)?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Thats up to the President, all right thats up to the President. The Secretary of State will make a report to the President about what happened here. Hes in regular contact with our folks in Singapore and our folks in at the DMZ. Like I said before, that ultimate decision --
QUESTION: But this 24-hour (inaudible)?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Oh, I think its an important this is an important meeting. Im not saying (inaudible).
QUESTION: (Off-mike.)
MODERATOR: Okay, guys, weve got to weve got to wrap this up, okay? Last one.
QUESTION: [Senior State Department Official], one thing: What do you expect to (inaudible) tonight --
QUESTION: Well --
MODERATOR: Hold on.
QUESTION: -- I just asked a question. (Inaudible.)
MODERATOR: Hold on. Relax, relax. Michelle had the last question. Michelle.
QUESTION: Heather --
QUESTION: What did theyve met twice before. This you said this is their third meeting. Well, how would you describe their relationship and how theyve gotten on and what (inaudible)?
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: I think thats a better question to go to Secretary Pompeo, because this is the third time. Hes Americas top diplomat. Hes trying to get to know his counterpart. That is how you do these things. You break bread with the person on the other side, you try to get to know them. (Inaudible.)
MODERATOR: Okay, we got to go.
SENIOR STATE DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: All right.
MODERATOR: Were all done.
If he lost his job as dear leader he could immigrate to the U.S. He could run for Congress. The Demonrats would love him.
100%
2nd report of this “fear” in the past few weeks.
Is it real, or is it intentional misinformation, for some purpose?
Kim U-fat becomes Kim U-gone
Kim Jong-un knows the political system of North Korea better than we would, and the fact that he floated to the top tells me he may well have legitimate concerns here.
Maybe if he feeds a few more of his relatives to the dogs during the next week or so, it will put enough fear in those surviving to ensure his own safety?
I saw a documentary on which one NK man claimed that Kim is responsible for all good things, including the very breath in the man’s lungs. I guess some in NK don’t agree. Think of what a disaster a coup would bring.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.