Trump and Kim to meet for dinner at colonial-era Hanoi hotel

[webfact]

Trump and Kim to meet for dinner at colonial-era Hanoi hotel

By Jeff Mason and Khanh Vu

 

U.S. President Donald Trump arrives at Noi Bai Airport for the US-DPRK summit in Hanoi, Vietnam February 26, 2019. REUTERS/Kham/Pool

 

HANOI (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un begin their second summit in less than a year in the Vietnamese capital on Wednesday, with the U.S. side seeking tangible steps by North Korea to dismantle its nuclear weapons program.

 

The White House said Trump would meet Kim at Hanoi's French-colonial-era Metropole Hotel at 6:30 p.m. (1130 GMT) and have a 20-minute one-on-one conversation before a dinner scheduled to last just over an hour and a half.

 

Trump flew into Hanoi on Air Force One late on Tuesday.

 

"Just arrived in Vietnam," he wrote in a Twitter post. "Thank you to all of the people for the great reception in Hanoi. Tremendous crowds, and so much love!"

 

Kim arrived by train early in the day after a three-day, 3,000-km (1,850-mile) trip from his capital, Pyongyang, through China. He completed the last stretch from a border station to Hanoi by car.

 

The two leaders, who seemed to strike up a surprisingly warm relationship at their first summit in Singapore last June, will be accompanied at dinner by two aides and interpreters, the White House said, before they meet again on Thursday.

 

Their talks come eight months after the historic summit in Singapore, the first between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader.

 

While much of that first meeting was about breaking the ice after decades of bitter animosity between their two countries, this time there will be pressure to move beyond a vaguely worded commitment by Kim to work toward the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

 

Trump's critics at home have warned him against cutting a deal that would do little to curb North Korea's nuclear ambitions, urging specific, verifiable North Korean action to abandon the nuclear weapons that threaten the United States.

 

In return, Kim would expect significant U.S. concessions such as relief from punishing sanctions and a declaration that the 1950-53 Korean War is at last formally over.

 

Trump, landing in darkness, waved as he disembarked Air Force One and was met by senior Vietnamese and U.S. officials. His motorcade passed crowds waving the flags of Vietnam, the United States and North Korea on its way to the JW Marriott Hotel, his accommodation for the two-day summit.

 

Earlier, Vietnamese officials greeted Kim at the station in Dong Dang town after he crossed the border from China by train. He got a red-carpet welcome with honour guard, military band and fluttering North Korean andVietnamese flags.

 

Kim was accompanied by his sister, Kim Yo Jong, an important aide.

 

About a dozen bodyguards briefly ran alongside his limousine as he began the two-hour journey to Hanoi. Roads were closed with security forces in armoured personnel carriers guarding the route to the Melia hotel, where Kim is staying.

 

North Korean officials engaged in working-level talks for the summit briefed Kim after he arrived, the North's state news agency, KCNA, said on Wednesday.

 

At the Melia hotel, Kim "heard concrete details on the pattern of engagement between working-level delegations," KCNA said, referring to the North by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

 

Visiting the North Korean embassy in Vietnam, Kim urged staff there to strengthen two-way ties in line with the needs of the times, KCNA added.

Kim "will reunite with U.S. President Donald J. Trump from February 27 to 28 and conduct the historic second DPRK-U.S. summit," before embarking on a goodwill visit to Vietnam on March 1 and 2, the agency said.

 

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also arrived on Tuesday and met Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh for talks.

 

'TREMENDOUS'

Trump said before leaving Washington it would be "a very tremendous summit" and stressed the benefits to North Korea if it gave up its nuclear weapons.

 

"With complete denuclearisation, North Korea will rapidly become an economic powerhouse," he said. "Without it, just more of the same. Chairman Kim will make a wise decision!"

 

In a speech on Sunday, however, Trump appeared to play down the possibility of a major breakthrough, saying he would be happy as long as North Korea maintained its pause on weapons testing.

 

"I'm not in a rush," he said. "I just don't want testing. As long as there's no testing, we're happy."

 

North Korea has not held a nuclear or missile test since 2017, but analysts say the two leaders have to move beyond summit symbolism.

"The most basic, yet urgent, task is to come to a shared understanding of what denuclearisation would entail," said Gi-Wook Shin, director of Stanford’s Asia-Pacific Research Centre.

 

"The ambiguity and obscurity of the term 'denuclearisation' only exacerbates the scepticism about both the U.S. and North Korean commitments to denuclearisation."

 

While the United States is demanding North Korea give up all of its nuclear and missile programs, the North wants to see the removal of a U.S. nuclear umbrella for South Korea.

 

Trump's departure from Washington comes at a time of increased pressure at home, and he is keen to show progress on a foreign policy issue that has confounded multiple predecessors.

 

Some analysts fear that may lead him to pull his punches.

 

"The main concern is whether the president, besieged by domestic distractions, will give away too much, and take a bad deal that leaves the United States less secure," said Victor Cha, a former White House official who took part in North Korea talks under previous Republican administrations.

 

While Trump is in Hanoi, his former personal lawyer Michael Cohen is testifying before U.S. congressional committees, with the president's business practices the main focus.

 

Anticipation has also been rising about the impending release of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report on Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, though a senior U.S. Justice Department official said on Friday it would not come this week.

 

A South Korean presidential spokesman told reporters in Seoul the two sides might be able to agree to a formal end of the Korean War, a move long sought by North Korea, as the war concluded with an armistice, rather than a peace treaty.

 

(GRAPHIC : Vietnam prepares for the Trump-Kim summit - https://tmsnrt.rs/2VkEAP4)

 

(For live coverage of the summit, click: https://www.reuters.com/live/north-korea; Reporting by Jeff Mason and Khanh Vu; Additional reporting by David Brunnstrom in WASHINGTON, Mai Nguyen, Hyonhee Shin, Josh Smith and Ebrahim Harris in HANOI and Joyce Lee in SEOUL; Writing by Robert Birsel; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney)

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2019-02-27

 

[Lungstib]

1 hour ago, webfact said:

"Just arrived in Vietnam," he wrote in a Twitter post. "Thank you to all of the people for the great reception in Hanoi. Tremendous crowds, and so much love!"

 

This from a man who incessantly condemns socialism and is prepared to force a socialist in Latin America to stand down by military action, and here he is meeting his good friend (leader of a  "a dictatorship of people's democracy") in a communist country. Not easy to balance all these contradictions in one mans head but Mr Trump is a man of many opinions, most of them odd.

[Scott]

Troll post reported and removed.

[Tug]

I suggest Donald spend the night in the Hanoi Hilton in quiet reflection then beg forgivnence and pray for guidance don’t sell out for some cheap photo op

[ballpoint]

I'm sure John McCain's old lodgings are available for Trump to use.

[atyclb]

2 hours ago, Lungstib said:

4 hours ago, webfact said:

"Just arrived in Vietnam," he wrote in a Twitter post. "Thank you to all of the people for the great reception in Hanoi. Tremendous crowds, and so much love!"

 

This from a man who incessantly condemns socialism and is prepared to force a socialist in Latin America to stand down by military action, and here he is meeting his good friend (leader of a  "a dictatorship of people's democracy") in a communist country. Not easy to balance all these contradictions in one mans head but Mr Trump is a man of many opinions, most of them odd.

 

 

vietnam government may still be communist in name but the country/society is apparently well managed and fueled by tons of capitalism and their economy is booming. vietnam is a world apart from present day venezuela and viet does not have huge oil reserves either.

[Kelsall]

Thank you President Trump.  Peace on the peninsula is possible due to your efforts and Kim's efforts.  Even some Democrats support Trump in this.

 

From the Huffington Post no less!

 

"Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) introduced the non-binding resolution on Tuesday as a sign of support from Congress ahead of the Hanoi, Vietnam, summit where Trump and Kim Jong-Un could announce an agreement to officially end the war."

 

and..." I don’t see how any American can’t be rooting for a successful outcome in these talks in Vietnam.”

 

Worth a read.  https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-kim-summit-korean-war_n_5c75b341e4b062b30eb8cea3

 

The haters are starting to come around.

Edited February 27, 2019 by Kelsall

[zydeco]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

"Just arrived in Vietnam," he wrote in a Twitter post. "Thank you to all of the people for the great reception in Hanoi. Tremendous crowds, and so much love!"

What a way with words. And, sure, those manufactured crowds really love you, Donald.

[zydeco]

3 hours ago, Lungstib said:

This from a man who incessantly condemns socialism and is prepared to force a socialist in Latin America to stand down by military action, and here he is meeting his good friend (leader of a  "a dictatorship of people's democracy") in a communist country. Not easy to balance all these contradictions in one mans head but Mr Trump is a man of many opinions, most of them odd.

Well, at least Trump finally got to Vietnam, 44 years after the rest of his generation had to go.

[Srikcir]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

a dinner scheduled

Does the chef know how to make a double cheese burger with fries?

That's about what Trump ate with PM Abe in Japan.

[spidermike007]

This is an excellent opportunity for Trump to create a distraction from the falling empire back home. As usual, he is going to come away from the table with nothing. That is just who he is. He cannot negotiate his way out of a paper bag, and Kim is far more cunning than he is. He is simply outclassed by a real dictator, he gets horrible advice from very incompetent men, and he does not listen to the ones who are competent anyway.

 

About the most he can expect to get out of these meetings, is a photo op, the chance to say he "served" in Vietnam (after his infamous five deferments) and the opportunity to try some good Vietnamese food, if he can wean himself off his cheeseburgers, long enough to try the local cuisine. 

[tlandtday]

2 minutes ago, spidermike007 said:

This is an excellent opportunity for Trump to create a distraction from the falling empire back home. As usual, he is going to come away from the table with nothing. That is just who he is. He cannot negotiate his way out of a paper bag, and Kim is far more cunning than he is. He is simply outclassed by a real dictator, he gets horrible advice from very incompetent men, and he does not listen to the ones who are competent anyway.

 

About the most he can expect to get out of these meetings, is a photo op, the chance to say he "served" in Vietnam (after his infamous five deferments) and the opportunity to try some good Vietnamese food, if he can wean himself off his cheeseburgers, long enough to try the local cuisine. 

Give it a break geesh.  Let the guy try and lets see what happens.  Do you need to be prejudging everything based on personal biases?

[spidermike007]

6 minutes ago, tlandtday said:

Give it a break geesh.  Let the guy try and lets see what happens.  Do you need to be prejudging everything based on personal biases?

A combination of personal bias, the history of the man, his last summit, the fact that so far he has been played by Kim, Putin, MBS, Xi, and pretty much everyone else he has met with, his total inability to negotiate, the fact that he utterly refuses to prepare for meetings like this, and his fascination with, and love for dictators. So, yes, I do prejudge him. All the time. He is very predictable. 

Edited February 27, 2019 by spidermike007

[atyclb]

3 hours ago, zydeco said:

Just what these two porkers need.  Another free chow down so they can stuff their guts.

 

 

damn, as a fat expat why wasnt I / we invited too???

[tlandtday]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

A combination of personal bias, the history of the man, his last summit, the fact that so far he has been played by Kim, Putin, MBS, Xi, and pretty much everyone else he has met with, his total inability to negotiate, the fact that he utterly refuses to prepare for meetings like this, and his fascination with, and love for dictators. So, yes, I do prejudge him. All the time. He is very predictable. 

Highly speculative and biased at the very least.  Don't let TDS get the best of you.  Serenity now:)

Edited February 27, 2019 by tlandtday

[zydeco]

3 hours ago, Kelsall said:

LOL.  "The rest of his generation?"  How many women "had to go?"

You're right. Trump remained back home with the women and children.

[samran]

Lovely. I was just there. Their steak tartare is fantastic. One of the best breakfast buffets going.

 

I do hope Donnie’s bonespurs aren’t playing up. It would be a shame if he didn’t finally get to enjoy Vietnam. 

Edited February 27, 2019 by samran

[55Jay]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

A combination of personal bias, the history of the man, his last summit, the fact that so far he has been played by Kim, Putin, MBS, Xi, and pretty much everyone else he has met with, his total inability to negotiate, the fact that he utterly refuses to prepare for meetings like this, and his fascination with, and love for dictators. So, yes, I do prejudge him. All the time. He is very predictable. 

Fair enough.  Maintaining status quo would be much better than letting Trump run amok, unwinding all the progress made by his predecessors and their appointees.  

[ratcatcher]

 After dinner entertainment by       

[mikebike]

6 hours ago, atyclb said:

 

 

vietnam government may still be communist in name but the country/society is apparently well managed and fueled by tons of capitalism and their economy is booming. vietnam is a world apart from present day venezuela and viet does not have huge oil reserves either.

Hmmmm... could this be that Vietnam has been a huge recipient of US guilt-aid since the war, while Venezuela has been a constant target of US disruption?

[Cadbury]

Many should be thankful that Thailand is not the country rolling out the red carpet for the meeting. The thought of an arrogant, glory seeking, grovelling, egocentric and conceited individual playing host would have been just too sickening to even contemplate. Mercifully we have been spared, thank you Vietnam.

[atyclb]

56 minutes ago, mikebike said:

7 hours ago, atyclb said:

 

vietnam government may still be communist in name but the country/society is apparently well managed and fueled by tons of capitalism and their economy is booming. vietnam is a world apart from present day venezuela and viet does not have huge oil reserves either.

Hmmmm... could this be that Vietnam has been a huge recipient of US guilt-aid since the war, while Venezuela has been a constant target of US disruption?

 

 

cuba was subjected to boycott, sanctions, meddling supreme by the usa and they dont have some of the worlds richest oil reserves yet they never deteriorated into a venezuela like state.  you forgot to mention chinese investment in vietnam.

Edited February 27, 2019 by atyclb

[55Jay]

They could officially end the war, opening NK to foreign investment and new factories stealing jobs from the Chinese.  ????

 

 

 

[Cryingdick]

11 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Does the chef know how to make a double cheese burger with fries?

That's about what Trump ate with PM Abe in Japan.

 

As dumb as this comment is it's no secret Kim is a big fan of McDonalds. maybe one day he can have one in his own country if he decides to cooperate.

[Scott]

Off-topic posts and replies removed. 

[Gandtee]

16 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Does the chef know how to make a double cheese burger with fries?

That's about what Trump ate with PM Abe in Japan.

They made a sharks fin burger for him.????

[sanemax]

12 hours ago, mikebike said:

Hmmmm... could this be that Vietnam has been a huge recipient of US guilt-aid since the war, while Venezuela has been a constant target of US disruption?

I dont think that Vietnam has received much aid from the USA , Vietnm got less aid than Phillipines and as much as Cambodia , and it wasnt very much