Originally posted by the Voice of America.
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N. Korea's New 'Blunt' Foreign Minister May Reinforce Foreign Policy
Realignment

William Gallo

   North Korea has appointed a former military officer with a
   blunt-speaking reputation to be the country's new foreign minister, the
   latest evidence Pyongyang may be realigning its foreign policy after
   apparently losing hope in nuclear talks.

   North Korea has notified foreign embassies in Pyongyang that Ri Son
   Gwon has been named as foreign minister, a diplomatic source confirmed
   to VOA. The story was first reported by NK News, a Seoul-based online
   publication with contacts in North Korea.

   The move comes as North Korea continues to boycott nuclear talks, amid
   frustrations Washington has not offered enough concessions. The
   appointment of Ri as foreign minister may be the latest evidence North
   Korea will take a hardline approach in 2020.

   A former army colonel, Ri has relatively little diplomatic experience
   and apparently no history working on nuclear issues. Most recently, he
   was the chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the
   Country, which handles relations with the South.

   He has led North Korean delegations for inter-Korean talks, including
   in 2018. During those talks, Ri gained a reputation for straightforward
   and sometimes standoffish behavior, according to South Korean media
   reports.

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