U.S. Senators call for stronger oversight of Trump’s negotiations with N. Korea

U.S. Senators call for stronger oversight of Trump’s negotiations with N. Korea. June. 28, 2018 07:30. by Sung-Ha Joo zsh75@donga.com.
A legislation that calls for stronger congressional oversight of the Trump administration’s negotiations with North Korea on denuclearization was proposed at the U.S. Senate on Tuesday (local time).

“After the administration signed a vague joint statement in Singapore without any details on a pathway forward on denuclearization, the need for congressional oversight is more evident than ever,” said Senator Bob Menendez, a top-ranking Democrat in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in a statement.

The legislation, co-sponsored by Republican Senator Cory Gardner, who co-chairs the Asia subcommittee, calls for the president to submit a report on how the diplomatic negotiations with North Korea are expected to proceed, with continual written updates every 30 days. It also demands continued sanctions until there is “meaningful and verifiable denuclearization” and for the United States not to pursue military action against the North contrary to international law.

The bill refers to Kim Jong Un as a “ruthless and cruel despot,” while Trump has recently called him a “talented man who loves his country very much.” The Associated Press said that the prospects for its passage are uncertain, but it reflects concern on opposite parties about how the capricious president deals with North Korea.