welcome to bbc news. broadcasting to viewers in north america and around the globe. my name is mike embley. our top story this hour: hand in hand, the leaders of north and south korea meet for the first summit between the two countries in more than a decade. kim jong—un becomes the first north korean leader to visit the south since the war ended 65 years ago. right now the two men are now locked in talks, with pyongyang's nuclear ambitions expected to top the agenda. and in other news — bill cosby is found guilty of sexual assault in a retrial of charges brought against him. as we go on air, a historic meeting

under way between kim jong—un and moonjae—in. the two leaders greeted each other at the military demarcation line. it is the first timea demarcation line. it is the first time a leaderfrom demarcation line. it is the first time a leader from the demarcation line. it is the first time a leaderfrom the north has crossed on to the south since the end of the korean war 65 years ago. the summit will focus on trying to persuade kim jong—un to give up the summit will focus on trying to persuade kimjong—un to give up his nuclear weapons, it is uncertain if they will reach a agreement. andrew platt stout —— andrew plant site our coverage of. our north —— a north korean leader stepping foot in south korea more than 65 years after the war. kim jong—un shaking hands with the president of south korea, the start ofa president of south korea, the start of a historic meeting with international interest high in a secretive regime that suddenly, seemingly is more accessible. this is where the two leaders are meeting. the border village of panmunjom, between the two territories. the finest details

already defiance. they will face each other across 2080 millimetres of table symbolising the year. and overlooking their meeting, a painting of a mountain, overlooking their meeting, a painting ofa mountain, a symbol of reconciliation designed to reflect the summit ‘s slogan, peace, a new start. the world ‘s major powers will be watching. north korea's nuclear programme part of the focus, kim jong—un has indicated nuclear programme part of the focus, kimjong—un has indicated a willingness to stop testing but will that translate to an end to its weapons programme or is that translate to an end to its weapons programme or is this part of north korea's entrance onto the international stage as an established nuclear power? proposed talks with president trump could come in the future, a meeting with the chinese leader has already happened. today's meeting, the result of months of improving relations between north and south, two countries still technically at war. it will end with a treeplanting

ceremony, the delegates will then share a dinner after years of increasing tension between the two countries, a relatively sudden softening and many will hope a more open and receptive north korea. andrew plant, bbc news. this statement coming out of the white house these past few moments on the occasion of this meeting: we wish the korean people well. we are hopeful that talks will achieve progress to a future peace and prosperity for the entire korean peninsula. states preciously preciously close co—ordination between our ally, and look forward to continuing robust discussions in preparation for the planned meeting between donald trump and kim jong—un in the coming weeks. that particulates in the present —— particulates in the present —— particulate significant, who was said it was a joy to meeting would ta ke said it was a joy to meeting would take place. the white house now talking that the meeting will

happen. let's go live to south korea. whatever you think of the situation, it is extraordinary. this is still a leader who has thousands of people in brutal labour camps, who about a year ago, we believe had to close relatives executed and not long ago it looked like war. either way, this is a historic moment. indeed. it is rather extraordinary that it happened so quickly and the tensions have somewhat be escalated and we have seen the north korean delegation is at young chang went to olympics and then here we are. —— winter olympics. we saw live pictures of kim jong—un walking alongside with the south korean president moonjae—in inside the peace house in the demilitarised zone. the high the yukon probably see the barbed wires, that is the

demilitarised zone between the two korea's which have been divided since the end of the korean war. the two countries agreed to truce but they are still technically at war and yet we saw the two leaders smiling, shaking hands, posing for pictures with some children as well and we are told that south korean children, schoolchildren, are encouraged to watch the live event as it takes place. the two leaders are now having the official summit, they are having a very busy day ahead of themselves. they have the official summit as well as planting a tree together and a banquet dinner where both north korean and south korean dishes will be served. for more on this i am joined by a professor, thank you so much for joining us. we keep talking about denuclearisation of north korea as the aim, the ultimate aim of this. is one thing for north korea to stop

testing, it is another for kim jong—un to give up all the nuclear weapons that he has, which seems a little unlikely. what exactly can they achieve? this is the crux of they achieve? this is the crux of theissue they achieve? this is the crux of the issue in terms of the hard security question this topic there isa security question this topic there is a lot of discussion about definition, two different definitions. i am definition, two different definitions. lam not definition, two different definitions. i am not sure that that is the issue. north korean 's are very clear on what the american definition is and vice—versa. it is an issue of pacing, verification and then of trade—offs. was assumed kim jong—un does commit, he is willing to give this stuff up, how quickly is he willing to do it? how are we going to know what he has and that he is really giving it all up? and what will he get in return? from a north korean perspective, you can insist on a non—proliferation treaty, talking about the un security council is resolutions until you are blue in the face of it but for them to give up their nukes,

they will have to get an equal or better deal. how are we, the united states, south korea, the international community, how are we going to insure that it makes sense for kimjong—un? going to insure that it makes sense for kim jong—un? that north korea are more safer and prosperous by giving up those nuclear weapons. those are three paul matters. these kind of leadership moments are important because they established relationships, the personal relationships, the personal relationships at the highest level. obviously donald trump has to do this as well. on the basis of that, you begina this as well. on the basis of that, you begin a negotiation but there are a lot of details to eye and out. some details could happen big now but we are also talking about a process that will talk at least months of negotiations, we are talking about years to complete the ultimate goal of peace and denuclearisation. we havejust ultimate goal of peace and denuclearisation. we have just had a statement from the white house saying that they wish a very good summitand saying that they wish a very good summit and that this will happen, there will be a summit between president trump and kim jong—un

after president trump saying it might not happen at all. these summits, some critics would argue that it summits, some critics would argue thatitis summits, some critics would argue that it is legitimising north korea, which has been accused of some brutal human rights abuses and recognising north korea as a nuclear state. what is your view on that? north korea has been around for a long time. this is the 70th anniversary of both the south korean and north korean state. we have had and north korean state. we have had an idea in the west about denying the legitimacy and almost pretending north korea doesn't exist. there are books published about the coming collapse of north korea. we have been waiting for this into so long. it is probably a moment in history where we need to swallow a bitter pill here and except that north korea does exist in this form and how we deal with it as it is? right now, yes, they possessed nuclear weapons and we want to get them to give up those. we probably do need

to recognise them, normalise relations with them not as a nuclear state but just as a state at all. ring them into the region, bring them into the international community and to do that process you have to do things like this. you have to do things like this. you have to do things like this. you have to treat their leader with respect as moon jae—in have to treat their leader with respect as moonjae—in is have to treat their leader with respect as moon jae—in is and as donald trump said he would. the optics of that can be bad and the criticism especially on the human rights issue is fair and well founded, but if you ask yourself how are you going to improve conditions oi'i are you going to improve conditions on the ground for the average north korean person, you are not good to do it at pushing, pushing, pushing. there is no sign it is going to. it is difficult, a dilemma, no question. but there is a human rights improvement logic to this kind of engagement that we are seeing. we have not really discussed reunification as an option because pensions have been rather high, but is that now potentially back on the

table? that would have a huge impact on south korea. the reunification. that question is very interesting. if you look at the last two summits, the overwhelming focus was reunification, very explicitly. in the lead up to the summit, it is there in the mix, you have the peace macs of a united korea, a lot about reconciliation and even reunification. but when you get to know younger south koreans, there is a whole range of attitudes. it is very rare for a korean to say no, we don't want reunification but given the practical problems of economic reintegration, the two very different ideologies and political systems, how do you actually structure that? again, like denuclearisation, how quickly do you wa nt denuclearisation, how quickly do you want to go? what is a realistic timeframe? the view is typically, let's take our time, let's get peace and denuclearisation and build these bridges and meet all, have exchanges

and have cooperation. i think there is probably a consensus in the south that you want to make a slow movement to read unified —— a slow movement to read unified —— a slow movement to read unified —— a slow movement to reunification. even the summit itself has divided opinions, we have met people who are very excited about it but others who are opposing it as well. is quite controversial. absolutely. you have a well founded position, a convert — — a conservative a well founded position, a convert —— a conservative opinion in south korea that will oppose this and a liberal position will support it. what is most interesting is the middle position. the less politicised south korean or maybe the very politically active. what they care about our south korea's issues. there is a need to movement happening and they care about gender equality. —— knee too. the president was impeached and a massive movement

of millions of people, they didn't come out over the north korean issue, they came out over a list of issues in south korea. that is another big block of the population. they will be watching today, i think. they will be hoping for positive but they also want a president can not get lost in the north korean issue and make sure he is addressing their top priorities, which are south korean issues. if you look at it from president moon jae—in perspective, he has a very complex political situation that he needs to manage, communicate with and bring along in this process. you talked about resident moonjae—in‘s challenging task, but obviously his family fled north korea. do you think that helped him achieve what he achieved today? as it was very personal to him even in the election campaign. the fact that he is himself part of the, you could call

it, the divided community. that gives all of this and emotional resonance with him. it connects with a lot of koreans, especially his older generation, they fill this in a deeper way. you would find even some conservatives, people who identify as conservatives who take a harderline, identify as conservatives who take a harder line, some of them will feel a certain tug on the heartstrings, especially if this is the opening of a broader reconciliation between the two korea's. you work through the regime and the government to get at north korean people, literally you have family in the south who want to reconnect with family in the north. that is a strong emotional issue and for president moon jae—in that is a strong emotional issue and for president moonjae—in it is a direct and personal issue and that adds a level of meaning and resonance to him. i think it is fair to say president moonjae—in has been a very smart negotiator, as we we re been a very smart negotiator, as we were saying, the white house has now released a statement, it appears that the trump, kim summit will be

likely to go ahead. those two men are known to be rather input, it unpredictable, much less so than moonjae—in. some would be com pletely moonjae—in. some would be completely against it. what is your outlook on the trump, kim scenario? it is true that it is much more unpredictable. moon jae—in had established his approach pretty early on, about a year ago and has been implementing. they are different political styles and are tackling the issue in a different way. however, when we talk about the summit, the issue of the summit is that it will probably not be wildly unpredictable. one thing we can observe about donald trump so far, and he came to asia on his trip, he could very good reviews in south korea, good reviews in the other parts of his trip. and he showed up in person, the leaders and the advisers said he is much more normal for a lack of a better word. the

donald trump you see on twitter is volatile and can reverse positions very quickly and you really don't know where he stands. at the donald trump in person, by many accounts in these summit context we're, i think xijinping these summit context we're, i think xi jinping would probably say this, it isa xi jinping would probably say this, it is a much more mild—mannered person who can engage with, who asks questions. i would anticipate this can be totally wrong but i would anticipate that kim jong—un and donald trump that have a pretty normal summit. and they could even connect to some degree, they could have honest conversations and they could begin that process of the big deal between the united states and north korea. no american president has tested the hypothesis, ok, what if we talked the talk was make north korea is the ultimate. i think the premise is actually valid that the truck administration users, we have to go to the top and work down. so they sent the cia director and they are ready for the president to go.

this is the test of kim jong—un this topic north korea has engaged diplomatically but he hasn't. he we nt diplomatically but he hasn't. he went to china and now he is in south korea. we are just learning what he is like as a diplomat. you mentioned mike pompeo, confirmed as the new secretary of state, but you also have people likejohn bolton in the administration. this summit will be sensitive. is the administration ready? in a strange way, this is the best team to do a deal that sticks with north korea. this is the hardest line group i could imagine. the ultimate hawk is the current national security adviser to the us. yet donald trump sees a deal and an opportunity and says he will start with the summit,

but has trusted mike the hour mark mike pompeoa but has trusted mike the hour mark mike pompeo a lot. —— mike pompeo. with north korea, you want hawks, not doves. they will kill it on the floor of congress when the next administration comes in. how can we be positive any deal sticks? if you make a deal with mike pompeo, john bolton goes on fox and says it's good, that's the gold standard. sorry to interrupt, live pictures of the leaders at the negotiating table facing each other. you are watching that right now. the south korean president, moonjae—in, that right now. the south korean president, moon jae—in, across that right now. the south korean president, moonjae—in, across the table from kim jong—un, the president, moonjae—in, across the table from kimjong—un, the north korean leader. this is the first time the north korean leader has crossed the border since the end of the korean war. you were saying this

administration is... apologies. we will take some translation to listen translation: we should have a positive meeting and positive results out of this meeting. and going forward, we should be determined... umm... and we should meet as often as possible. and, if we can, if we can get our heads together, then the ii and, if we can, if we can get our heads together, then the 11 years lost ca n heads together, then the 11 years lost can be made up. and just about

200 metres, the crossing line, i have so many thoughts while crossing the demarcation line. and this is more like firing the starting of the race. and if we can open our hearts to speak, and if we can draw a positive result from this meeting, that would be good. and instead of going back to the drawing board, we should move forward. and if we can hold our hands together and move forward... and i think so many talks

we re forward... and i think so many talks were going on about the dinner party this evening. and if you could enjoy the pyongyang glass noodle, that will be good. and we can talk seriously and honestly. and we can talk about good things. and we need to talk about what is necessary. and i would like to say this in front of mr president and all the others as well. and i think we should

celebrate the meeting between us. and the spring may have arrived on the korean peninsula. and all of the world is watching for this meeting. and people are, south korean, north korean, korean compatriots all over the world, they are watching. and there is so much of a burden on our shoulders too. you are the first to cross the demarcation line, kim, this is like peace. and the expectations of all of the world are on us. expectations of all of the world are

on us. and i'd like to give my thanks to the brave decision you made. and if we could make brave decisions together, and then we could make a successful meeting. and we have plenty of time to talk about. and if we can discuss things in detail as well, yeah, thank you. can you make us more comfortable... make us more at ease, please? thank you. well, wejust

make us more at ease, please? thank you. well, we just watched live pictures of kim jong—un and moon jae—in speaking to each other, of course, sitting across the table. we heard from kim jong—un saying he had many thoughts as he crossed the border. of course, he became the first north korean leader to cross the border since the end of the korean war. the two countries are still technically at war. and he talked about that they should meet more often and that they should talk about good things and address some of the issues. he also talked about how he is very much looking forward to the banquet dinner that south korean officials have arranged for him because there will be some north korean dishes as well as north korean dishes as well as north korean liquor, and some south korean dishes as well. we heard from moon jae—in of south korea saying you made history by crossing that line, thanking him for making that what he

called "a brave decision" to come across the border. we can bring back across the border. we can bring back a professor, john, this is the first time we have heard from kim jong—un live on television. i think that is correct to my recollection. we have to remember he is in a public space all the time in his own country. but, that said, it is highly scripted and choreographed by the north koreans. this is a new thing. it goes to the point that this is a new thing, a leader who is ready to ta ke new thing, a leader who is ready to take risks, the good kind of risks. moonjae—in started well congratulating kim jong—un on moonjae—in started well congratulating kimjong—un on his bravery to come across the line and speak live and unscripted to his counterpart, the south korean leader, for all of us around the world to listen to. this is

something new. thank you so much for joining us this morning to mark wood ata joining us this morning to mark wood at a very historic event. —— mark a very. the two korean leaders meeting for the first time. this comes ahead of the meeting that kim jong—un is expected to have with us president donald trump. we heard from kim jong—un probably for the first time live on television saying he looks forward to the dinner. we are monitoring that for you. historic news. there is of course much more going on in the world and much more international news. you can get that at any international news. you can get that atany time international news. you can get that at any time on the bbc website and much more about the events on the korean peninsula. thank you very much for watching. hello there.

it's been getting cooler day by day through this week and by the weekend, temperatures will be below the seasonal average, wet, cold and windy late on sunday. more on that in just a moment. we start friday on quite a chilly note, some areas a touch of frost in scotland but south, not quite as cold because we have this area of low pressure and outbreaks of rain. quite wet start across south—west england in towards south wales. the rain starting to push its way into northern and eastern parts of england as the morning wears on where as further north, it will start bright with plenty of sunshine. that rain will be in bands moving its way northwards across most of england and wales into the afternoon. a few drier interludes, quite strong winds across the channel through the channel islands for cornwall and the scilly isles, gusting up to 40mph. rain heavy into the afternoon. further north, the best of the sunshine in the far north of england and scotland. heavy showers. quite cool. temperatures of 9—13 celsius. certainly cool near the east coast. as we had through friday

evening and overnight, the rain peters out. further north and west, you can see clear skies with another chilly night. into the weekend, it doesn't look too bad, particularly northern and western parts of the uk. sunshine and showers, quite cool in that northerly breeze. that wet and windy weather arriving. this is the picture to saturday. a damp start across the south—east, some spells of light rain, low cloud, mist and murk. a bit of an improvement but the best of the sun shone across the north and west with a few heavy slow—moving boundary showers. cool again for the time of year. 9—12 celsius, particuarly cool across northerna nd eastern coasts. sunday as well. dry around, variable cloud, a bit of sunshine again, a few heavy showers in the north. tater in the day, the wind begins to pick up across the south—east with outbreaks of rain and those temperatures again, 9—11 celsius. chilly for late april. the wet and windy weather in the south—east associated with this area of low pressure moving north out of the near continent. it's going to bring some atrocious conditions to much of the south and the east into monday. heavy, persistent rain, standing water, gale—force, northerly winds, gusting 50 or 60mp and it's going to feel cold. even a little bit of wintriness over the higher ground here.

a bit of uncertainty towards the western extent but it looks like the north and western areas will see the best of the brightness. but it's going to be a cool day across the board. this is bbc news. the headline: north and south korea have begun theirfirst summit in more than ten years. kim jong—un became the first north korean leader to step on to southern soil since the end of the korean war. he walked across the demarcation line to be met by president moon—jae—in. in a statement, the white house said it wished the korean people well. the american comedian and entertainer bill cosby has been found guilty of drugging and molesting a woman at his home in philadelphia in 200a. cosby — who's 80 —

could receive a prison sentence of up to 30 years and in all likelihood spend the rest of his life behind bars. facebook has admitted it didn't read the terms and conditions of a personality test app that it allowed on its site. it was used to harvest the data of 87 million people by cambridge analytica — a firm accused of using it to influence political campaigns, including the presidential election. now on bbc news, thursday in parliament.