Trump-Kim meeting canceled: 'Inappropriate to hold summit,' says President Trump
What's the story
US President Donald Trump has called off the highly-anticipated summit on 12 June with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Singapore was to host the meeting between the two leaders. Trump said the "tremendous anger and open hostility" displayed in North Korea's recent statement triggered his decision. The US President also said it was "inappropriate at this time" to hold the planned summit. Here's more.
Twitter Post
A letter from Trump to Kim
A letter from the President to Chairman Kim Jong Un: "It is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting." pic.twitter.com/3dDIp55xu1
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 24, 2018
The Reason
Looking forward to meeting Kim 'some day': Trump
After deciding to cancel the summit, Trump, however, in a letter to Kim, wrote, "I was very much looking forward to being there with you." "Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have the long-planned meeting," Trump added. Trump also expressed hope to meet Kim "some day".
The Letter
Missed opportunity is a truly sad moment in history: Trump
In his letter, Trump wrote, "You (Kim) talk about your nuclear capabilities, but ours are so massive and powerful...I pray to God they will never have to be used." "The world, and North Korea, in particular, has lost a great opportunity for lasting peace and great prosperity and wealth," he added. However, he wrote that Kim should call him if he changes his mind.
Information
North Korea dismantled its only nuclear test site earlier
Interestingly, Trump's decision to cancel the summit comes after North Korea reportedly dismantled its Punggye-Ri nuclear site. Pyongyang stated the site had been dismantled and no further tests could be conducted there. North Korea's nuclear weapons institute said it wanted to build a nuclear-free world.