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US, North Korea differences over denuclearisation still significant: South
Seoul, May 30 (IANS) Amid a flurry of diplomatic efforts to salvage the US-North Korea summit, the South Korean Unification Minister warned on Wednesday that “significant” differences remain between the two countries on how to achieve denuclearisation.
“I can say that the differences in stances between North Korea and the US remain quite significant,” Minister Cho Myoung-gyon said in a speech in Seoul.
“It will not be easy to narrow the gap and find common ground, but I think it would not be impossible.”
Cho delivered the sobering assessment as US and North Korean officials resumed working-level talks aimed at closing that gap, according to Yonhap News Agency.
“Now that the leaders of the two countries are engaging in talks in a top-down manner, I think the chances are high that common ground can be found,” he added.
North Korea and the US have been in discord over how fast Pyongyang should give up its nuclear weapons programme, a seemingly unbridgeable gap over which the two countries saw their planned summit almost collapse last week.
The US wants swift and irreversible denuclearisation while the North reportedly said that it wants phased and synchronized steps towards abandoning its nuclear weapons.
Cho said that it was understandable that scepticism lingered over the real intention of the North in attending talks, given the past history of negotiations with Pyongyang.
However, he said the North’s recent steps like a missile and nuclear test moratorium and the dismantling of its only known nuclear test site, demonstrated its commitment to denuclearisation.
Saying that the North was seeking regime safety from the US in return for its abandonment of nuclear weapons, Cho also said that according to the Seoul government it was “desirable” for them to make a big deal on the two fronts and implement relevant agreements “in a comprehensive manner”.
He said it was just the beginning of what would be a long-haul process of denuclearisation fraught with many challenges going forward.
“I can say that we have just entered the gate of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula,” Cho said. “There will be many challenges that need to be overcome.”
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.