Ex-envoy wants positive signal North Korea

washington - Former US envoy for North Korea, Joseph Yun, has urged the regime in North Korea to send a positive signal by releasing three US prisoners ahead of the US-US summit. That is what Yun, who suddenly retired last month, said in an interview with CNN.

The special envoy said he called on North Korean leaders to respond to President Donald Trump's announcement that he wants to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. 'I have spoken to North Koreans and have a single message addressed to them, namely that this is an incredible opportunity for both sides and that they must respond,' Yun said.

'I have impressed upon them that this was a very good time to release those prisoners so that they can be reunited with their families. That would also be a very positive signal, 'said the former envoy.