Trump optimistic that meeting with Kim Jong will be successful

After weeks of speculation, US President Donald Trump announced he will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12th in Singapore. While administration officials voiced optimism before the historic meeting, other experts called for caution, saying this is only the first step in a long and complex process aimed at denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

Just hours after three Americans held in North Korea set foot on American soil, President Donald Trump delivered other news confirming the date and location of next month's meeting between the United States and North Korea via a tweet.

Asked by journalists about the historic meeting, the president was optimistic.

Mr. President, do you think the meeting will be successful?
“Yes, I think it will be a great success”, the president said
But some of the president's critics were more skeptical.

In the Senate, Democrat leaders criticised the president's praise for the leader of North Korea.

It's very disturbing to hear Donald Trump say Kim Jong Un treated the Americans perfectly. Kim Jong Un is a dictator who has officially arrested American citizens, robbed them of their freedom, and did not allow them to go home to their families. Their release should not be assessed but should be expected! “, Senator Chuck Schumer said.

Following last month's talks between North Korean and South Korean leaders, some said Singapore's choice of next month's meeting is logical.

“Singapore is known for these types of meetings. It's the most developed country in Southeast Asia and has high security of”, says Patrick Cronin, with the New American Security Center.
Experts say the timing of negotiations between Trump and Kim reflects a more positive atmosphere for dialogue.

“I think it will be important that both of these leaders arrive at this meeting, what kind of structured diplomatic process will start after this meeting”, says Daryl Kimball with the Association for Arms Control.

Other analysts say it is important to keep the focus on the long-term goal of denuclearisation.

“I think that expectations management will be very important for this appointment. We had meetings like this between North Korea and South Korea in the past. They haven't resulted in long-term productivity. So we need to manage expectations, be realistic about what can be achieved and start a process that we hope will produce results”, says Ambassador David Shear.

The next week will be in charge, as officials in Washington and gynia will co-ordinate logistics before next month's meeting. / VOA/