Russia: North Korean leader to visit Moscow for Victory Day

[webfact]

Russia: North Korean leader to visit Moscow for Victory Day

MOSCOW (AP) — The leader of North Korea is among 26 world leaders who have accepted invitations to Moscow to take part in celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday.

North Korea hasn't officially commented. It would be Kim Jong Un's first foreign trip since taking power three years ago.

The highlight of the May 9 celebrations will be a military parade on the Red Square overseen by President Vladimir Putin, an annual event that will be expanded this year to include 15,000 troops, cadets and Cossacks, according to Russia's defense minister.

Several Western leaders have snubbed invitations to the military parade because of Russia's role in the Ukraine conflict. But Lavrov said that some European leaders were still expected to come, including those from Slovakia, Norway, Greece and several Balkan nations.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is among those staying away from the parade, but she softened the snub by deciding to visit Moscow the next day for a separate ceremony with Putin. Lavrov said Merkel's decision to come to Moscow has helped to wreck the "anti-Russian campaign."

In addition to Kim, Lavrov said the leaders of China, Cuba, India, Mongolia, South Africa and Vietnam had confirmed their attendance.


-- (c) Associated Press 2015-03-19

[daoyai]

Will Seth Rogan be there to conduct an "Interview" ?

[neverdie]

I hope he gets hurt.

[Scott]

Does this Kim fly, or do we have to endure the news of his really, really long train ride?

[webfact]

off topic post removed.

The OP got nothing to do with Thailand

/Admin

[emilymat]

Even after such a long time I would have thought it diplomatically difficult to have a German Chancellor standing on the Kremlin wall, waving to the crowd, celebrating a crushing defeat for her country.

[Suradit69]

In addition to Kim, Lavrov said the leaders of China, Cuba, India, Mongolia, South Africa and Vietnam had confirmed their attendance.

Ukraine still dithering over whether or not to come?

Saint Petersburg (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday laughed off days of frenzied "rumours" over his health and whereabouts as he reappeared in public after an unusually long 10-day absence.

Maybe Vlad was personally delivering threats invitations during his mysterious 10 day absence.

http://news.yahoo.com/putin-set-reappear-10-day-absence-085411831.html

[baboon]

Does this Kim fly, or do we have to endure the news of his really, really long train ride?

Yes, he flies, but he might choose to send head of state Kim Yong Nam instead if he doesn't fancy going on the day.

Edited March 19, 2015 by baboon

[attento]

What's the betting that the new Greek PM will be there too ?

The Russians would love to have a port in the Med, and the new Greek government need the money

But it's sad that the commemoration of these important dates from history should be mired with today's politics.

Edited March 19, 2015 by attento

[Stan42]

Don't shake hands!

[Credo]

What's the betting that the new Greek PM will be there too ?

The Russians would love to have a port in the Med, and the new Greek government need the money

But it's sad that the commemoration of these important dates from history should be mired with today's politics.

Boy, talk about hitching your wagon to the wrong horse!

Russia is having more financial problems than Greece. Greece at least has friends who have money.