U.S. withholds comment on N.K. leader's possible visit to Russia

WASHINGTON, Jan. 28 (Yonhap) -- The United States withheld comment Wednesday on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's possible visit to Russia to attend celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory in World War II.

Earlier Wednesday, the Kremlin said in response to a question from Yonhap News Agency that some 20 foreign heads of state have confirmed that they will attend the celebrations in Moscow in May, and the North's leader is among them.

"We have seen reports Kim Jong-un will visit Moscow later this year. I would refer you to the government of Russia for information on this possible visit," a State Department spokesperson told Yonhap on condition of anonymity, declining further comment.

Should Kim's visit be realized, it would mark his first foreign trip since he took power after his father, Kim Jong-in, died in late 2011. The visit would also underscore the North's strengthening relations with Russia at a time when Pyongyang's ties with China remain sour.

South Korean officials, however, remain cautious about whether Kim will actually appear at the Moscow ceremony. They do not rule out the possibility of the North having Kim Yong-nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, attend it because he is the North's nominal head of state.

jschang@yna.co.kr
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