Trump delays Pompeo's trip to North Korea because the regime hasn't made 'sufficient' progress on denuclearization

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Trump delays Pompeo's trip to North Korea because the regime hasn't made 'sufficient' progress on denuclearization

mike pompeo kim jong un.JPG

KCNA/Reuters

Mike Pompeo, left, is seen meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in May.

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  • President Donald Trump on Friday delayed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's upcoming trip to North Korea.
  • He said that the talks are being put off because the regime hasn't made "sufficient" efforts to denuclearize and because of the trade war with China, the country's closest ally.
  • However, Trump tweeted his "warmest regards" to Kim Jong-un and said he hoped to "see him soon!" 

President Donald Trump is delaying Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's scheduled trip to North Korea due to unfulfilled promises and the trade war with China. 

In a tweet Friday afternoon, the president wrote that he has asked Pompeo not to go to North Korea "at this time" because the regime hasn't been "making sufficient progress with respect to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula." 

He said talks between the two countries are also being hindered by the trade war with China, North Korea's closest ally. 

donald trump.JPG

Leah Millis/Reuters

President Trump on Friday delayed Mike Pompeo's trip to North Korea.

"Because of our much tougher Trading stance with China, I do not believe they are helping with the process of denuclearization as they once were (despite the UN sanctions which are in place)..." Trump wrote. 

He finished the series of three tweets on a hopeful note, however, writing that he hopes talks will resume soon. 

"Secretary Pompeo looks foward to going to North Korea in the near future, most likely after our Trading relationship with China is resolved. 

"In the meantime, I would like to send my warmest regards and respect to Chairman Kim. I look forward to seeing him soon!" Trump wrote. 

Pompeo was scheduled to fly to Pyongyang next week for his fourth visit with North Korean officials. 

But lately, reports have said that relations between the two parties have stalled, after the US asked North Korea to reveal its secret nuclear facilities, and they claimed none existed. 

Some independent assessments also suggest that instead of ending their nuclear program, North Korea is actually increasing production. 

Pompeo was to introduce the North Korean regime to new Special Representative to North Korea Steve Biegun, who is to take over day-to-day negotiations with the country. 

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