Mar 9, 2018 - World

U.S. official: No "reward" to North Korea for agreeing to talk

Photo: Cheriss May / NurPhoto via Getty Images

A senior administration official reiterated on Thursday night that pressures on North Korea will not lessen, following the announcement that President Trump has agreed to meet with Kim Jong-un:

  • "He is not prepared to reward North Korea in exchange for talks, but he is willing to accept an invitation at this time to meet," the official said.
  • Among those briefed in the Oval Office on North Korea's message, were Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, chief of staff John Kelly, General McMaster, Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, Deputy Director of the CIA Gina Haspel, and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats.
  • The time and place of the meeting have not yet been established, but the administration "will settle for nothing less" than denuclearization as the final outcome, the official said.

Trump tweeted:

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Axios
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Pence no longer expected at Amy Coney Barrett's final confirmation vote

Photo: Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

Vice President Mike Pence no longer plans to attend the Senate's final confirmation vote for Judge Amy Coney Barrett on Monday, following Senate Democrats' claims that his presence after possible exposure to the coronavirus would be a "violation of common decency," a Pence aide confirmed to CNN and Politico on Monday.

Driving the news: Five of Pence's aides were recently diagnosed with COVID-19, including his chief of staff, who is currently quarantining. Pence has continued his campaign travel despite his possible exposure, which goes against CDC guidelines.

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Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

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  3. Business: Where stimulus is needed most.
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  5. World: Restrictions grow across Europe.
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Dion Rabouin, author of Markets
5 hours ago - Economy & Business

Bond investors see brighter days

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

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But, but, but: Strategists say this move is about an improving outlook for economic growth rather than just inflation.

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