County Supervisor Michael Antonovich is in North Korea this week, part of a delegation seeking to learn more about its government, economy and culture.
Fewer than 1,500 Westerners are allowed to visit the communist nation each year.
Details about the trip are scarce, but Antonovich’s spokesman, Tony Bell, said the supervisor received an invitation from Dr. Jarrold Green, president of the Pacific Council on International Policy.
“The supervisor is very interested in international affairs, foreign policy and trade issues and this trip provides a unique opportunity to learn more about the North Korean nation and share his findings upon his return,” Bell said.
Bell added the trip was a private one, not funded by taxpayers. He could not say whether the delegation would meet with any ranking North Korean officials, such as supreme leader Kim Jong-Un.
The council could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but its website identifies it as a Los Angeles-based nonpartisan international affairs organization that focuses on “policy issues of special resonance on and to the West Coast.”
It was founded in 1995 and has close ties to the University of Southern California. Former U.S. Commerce Secretary Mickey Kantor and former U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. Robert Tuttle sit on its board of directors.
The website said the trip to North Korea is from Aug. 26 to Sept. 1. It did not name the members of the council delegation, but said it was a small group.
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