North Korean state media ends silence over thaw with U.S.

North Korea’s state media agency KCNA has broken its silence over the regime’s latest diplomatic moves, noting a “dramatic atmosphere for reconciliation” with South Korea and a “sign of change” with the U.S., AFP reports. The release doesn’t mention President Trump by name.

Why it matters: The North Korean populace likely has little awareness of potential talks between Kim Jong-un and Trump, but this release indicates that Kim's government is setting the stage.

What the release said:

• "The dialogue peace offensive of the DPRK is an expression of self-confidence as it has acquired everything it desires."
• It denied that sanctions would pressure North Korea to engage diplomatically: "Such rubbish as 'result of sanctions and pressure'... spread by hostile forces is just as meaningless as a dog barking at the moon."