Washington, May 24
US President Donald Trump on Thursday cancelled his proposed meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on June 12 in Singapore, citing Pyongyang’s “anger” and “hostility” as the reason behind his decision.
Trump’s announcement came hours after North Korea carried out what it said is the demolition of its nuclear test site today.
In April, Trump had stunned the world by accepting an invitation to meet Kim in an unprecedented sit-down.
Trump and Kim had previously traded insults and threats.
Full text of letter from Trump to Kim
The following is the full text of a letter from President Trump to North Korea’s Kim cancelling their planned June 12 summit in Singapore.
The letter, dated May 24, was released by the White House on Thursday:
The White House
Washington
May 24, 2018
His Excellency
Kim Jong Un
Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Pyongyang Dear Mr. Chairman:
We greatly appreciate your time, patience, and effort with respect to our recent negotiations and discussions relative to a summit long sought by both parties, which was scheduled to take place on June 12 in Singapore. We were informed that the meeting was requested by North Korea, but that to us is totally irrelevant. 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 this long-planned meeting.
Therefore, please let this letter serve to represent that the Singapore summit, for the good of both parties, but to the detriment of the world, will not take place. You talk about your nuclear capabilities, but ours are so massive and powerful that I pray to God they will never have to be used.
I felt a wonderful dialogue was building up between you and me, and ultimately, it is only that dialogue that matters. Some day, I look very much forward to meeting you. In the meantime, I want to thank you for the release of the hostages who are now home with their families. That was a beautiful gesture and was very much appreciated.
If you change your mind having to do with this most important summit, please do not hesitate to call me or write.
The world, and North Korea in particular, has lost a great opportunity for lasting peace and great prosperity and wealth.
This missed opportunity is a truly sad moment in history.
Sincerely yours,
Donald J. Trump
President of the United States of America
The full letter from the President Trump to Chairman Kim Jong Un : https://t.co/RJD9qV0HSl pic.twitter.com/b0BEf0mKWf
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 24, 2018
PTI/Reuters
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