Conference in Vancouver today aimed at cooling tensions on Korean Peninusla

By

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Opening remarks are done and today’s conference in Vancouver aimed at finding a solution to tensions on the Korean Peninsula is now fully underway.

The tones between Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and the US Secretary of State were different, but the messages were very similar.

“I look forward to sharing ideas today with our allies and partners to strengthen the maximum pressure campaign and provide a pathway to security to all of our people, as a result,” said Rex Tillerson.

“We cannot stand by and let this threat persist. At stake are the safety and security of all the people of the world,” said Chrystia Freeland.

The two are joined by delegates from 18 other countries. But critics say it will be hard to get any real results with the noticeable absences of Russia and China.

The meetings will look at how to crack down on the smuggling and money-laundering schemes Pyongyang uses to sidestep sanctions and pay for its nuclear program.

Don Baker with UBC’s Centre for Korean Research tells NEWS 1130 it might be for the best that it’s Tillerson, not US President Donald Trump, representing the States at the summit.

“You never know what he’s going to say. Tillerson can talk like a Secretary of State.”

“(Trump) may end up antagonizing people more than he would bring them together to push for a diplomatic solution. So it’s probably good Donald Trump is staying on his golf course.”

NEWS 1130’s Martin MacMahon is at the conference today and will being you all the details once it has wrapped up this afternoon.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today