The US-North Korea confrontation over the Pyongyang’s seized cargo ship confined in Pago Pago Harbor is heating up. KHJ News Washington DC correspondent Matt Kaye reports:
There’s no word from US officials on their plans for the final fate of the North Korean cargo ship ‘Wise Honest,’ confined in Pago Pago Harbor to the dismay and concern of many in American Samoa.
Pyongyang is demanding the ship’s release, accusing the US of an “unlawful and outrageous act” by forciblytaking the ship to American Samoa, linking the ship to UN “sanctions esolutions,” and US domestic “sanctions acts.”
But US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had this to say, after meeting with Russia’s foreign minister in Sochi, Russia.
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But what that means for the final disposition of the North Korean “Wise Honest” is unclear, while the US and President Trump continue to exert pressure on the regime.
A US Coast Guard spokeswoman says what happens to the ship next is up to the Department of Justice, whic hasked Indonesian authorities to seize the ship there, last month.
The spokeswoman says the ship was taken to American Samoa because of “its central strategic location”and for security reasons, citing a strong “relationship and partnership” with the local government.
Congresswoman Aumua Amata Radewagen cited those reasons last week in reacting to the move, and says she will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Her office now says she’s requesting a briefing with the Coast Guard.
