White House contradicts Tillerson and says not right time for North Korea talks

The Guardian: The White House has ruled out a dialogue with North Korea until it “fundamentally improves its behaviour”, once again contradicting the secretary of state Rex Tillerson, who said on Tuesday the US was ready to begin direct talks without preconditions.

A statement given to Reuters by the National Security Council spokesman, saying “clearly right now is not the time” for talks, following North Korea’s test launch of a intercontinental ballistic missile last month.

The statement seemed to close the door on a diplomatic window only hours after it had been opened by the administration’s top diplomat.

The mixed messages underlined the chaotic nature of Trump administration foreign policy, and raised new questions over how long Tillerson can stay in the administration that has persistently undercut him.

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