The United Nations is preparing to confront North Korea over its dismal rights record with a key vote this week that could compel Pyongyang to answer to crimes against humanity. A UN General Assembly committee will vote Tuesday on a resolution drafted by the European Union and Japan condemning human rights abuses in North Korea and…

The top U.S. spy Sunday revealed details of a secret mission to North Korea earlier this month that led to the release of two U.S. citizens held captive. Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, who arrived in Pyongyang Nov. 8 to negotiate the prisoners’ freedom, said on CBS “Face the Nation” he met with North Korean…

PYONGYANG, North Korea – A special envoy of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has left Pyongyang for Russia to discuss ways to improve trade and political ties. Choe Ryong Hae, a senior official in the ruling Workers’ Party and one of Kim’s close associates, left Pyongyang on Monday. He is scheduled to stay in Russia until…