According to one of the most senior North Korea defector, the only way to bring change in the country is to change its current leader, Kim Jong Un. But in a surprising turn of events, the North Korean leader wants to meet US President Donald Trump, reports CNN.
Thae Yong Ho, who defected the country for South Korea in August last year, said that “As long as Kim Jong Un is in power, there’ll be no chance for the world to improve the human rights issue.” In addition, the nuclear program will continue to torment most countries.
When Mr. Kim first came into power, Thae hoped that his oversees studies and youthful nature would make him a better leader. Those hopes were soon thwarted as most of his fellow high-ranking official started to be executed.
The defector says that Kim decides to kill anyone whom he feels is a threat. For that reason, more elites are likely to defect in the coming days.
According to data provided by South Korean intelligence agency, INSS, at least 340 people have been ordered for execution since Dec 2011 when Kim took over leadership.
Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump meeting
Thae says that when Trump took over US presidency, Kim regarded that as a perfect opportunity to “compromise with the new American administration.”
However, Kim is keen at initiating conversations based on his own terms.
In his New Year address, Kim said that the US continuation of its current policy against N. Korea would result into an addition in the country’s military capability.
But these threats have been put to question, with many experts saying North Korea lacks strike capability.
President Donald Trump in his campaign pledges expressed plans to meet with Kim. However, Thae has asked the president to reconsider his plans. He says that such a meeting would give Kim a legitimacy that he lacks even in his own country.
He further supports his sentiments with the fact that even Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin have never scheduled such a meeting.
Kim has managed to secure loyalty through fear but hasn’t been able to enjoy the legitimacy that his father Kim Jong Il and grandfather Kim Il Sung had.
North Korea Sanctions are taking effect
The United Nations Security Council has placed a number of sanctions against North Korea, which Thae believes they are working.
He says that Mr Kim’s earlier plans were to set up 14 special economic zones and establish two ministries to encourage foreign investment. However, the two ministries are no more.
What are these sanctions?
- North Korea planes and ships carrying cargo to be inspected
- Ban on exporting natural resources
- Expel NK diplomats and nationals engaged in illicit activities
- Ban training that could advance missile and nuclear programs
- Ban supply of aviation fuel and charter of foreign aircraft and vessels
- Ban the sale of small arms to North Korea