Pence canceled North Korea human rights speech, with Trump admin concerned about nuclear talks

An official in Pence’s office said the cancellation was because of a scheduling conflict. But another source familiar with the plans said it was in part because of concerns about angering or alienating North Korea and further derailing nuclear talks.

Human rights groups are concerned that it’s another sign the administration is easing some of the pressure on the regime for its human rights abuses. While none of the sanctions have been lifted — and new ones were added on three top officials last Monday — the State Department said this week they will review restrictions on humanitarian aid into North Korea and the ban on all U.S. citizens traveling to the country.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denied that meant “relaxing the economic sanctions campaign. Nothing could be further from the truth,” he told NPR Thursday. A spokesperson for the department declined to comment.