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Pompeo, Unlike Trump, Concerned About North Korea Missile Tests

Ken Bredemeier

   WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday he is
   concerned about the spate of short-range missile tests North Korea has
   launched in recent weeks, disagreeing with President Donald Trump, who
   has shrugged off their significance.

   "I wish that they would not" launch the missiles, the top U.S. diplomat
   told CBS News.

   North Korea has carried out six short-range ballistic missile tests
   since late last month, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un saying they
   were in response to ongoing joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises
   that North Korea considers as a threat to its existence.

   The two latest projectiles, fired last Friday, flew 230 kilometers into
   the waters off North Korea, but, aimed differently, could reach South
   Korea, as well as American troops and civilians living there.

   Kim has said talks with the U.S. about the denuclearization of North
   Korea could resume once the military drills end later this month, but
   has balked at new negotiations with South Korea.

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