A surprise declaration from Kim Jong-Un that North Korea would halt nuclear tests was met with international praise Saturday, but the diplomatic success may not…
A surprise declaration from Kim Jong-Un that North Korea would halt nuclear tests was met with international praise Saturday, but the diplomatic success may not make it any easier for CIA Director Mike Pompeo to win confirmation as the next secretary of state.
Pompeo met with Kim over Easter weekend in preparation for a summit in late May or early June between the third-generation dictator and President Trump.
Kim’s statement Saturday did not mention giving up existing nuclear weapons, a key U. S. and South Korean goal, but UN chief Antonio Guterres hailed the announcement as “a positive step.”
Seoul, the European Union, China and Russia also issued positive comments.
That might not be enough to secure Senate approval for Pompeo’s nomination to take over the State Department.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected to give a rare thumbs down to Pompeo on Monday. The full Senate is still expected to vote on the nomination, but the vote will be close.
The upcoming Senate vote is predicted to be so close that Vice President Pence might have to cast the tie-breaking vote in Pompeo’s favor.
With Post Wire Services
