It's not just Trump and Kim who deserve global praise

Readers have their say on North Korea, the G7, Iraq and animal rights

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe speaks to media after the summit between the US and North Korea in Singapore. Issei Kato / Reuters

I write in reference to your online article Trump-Kim summit: leaders sign denuclearisation document (June 12): congratulations to US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un for signing a treaty paving the way towards denuclearisation and peace. While both of them have done a commendable job in breaking new ground on an intractable problem, there are two other personalities who need to be applauded.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in laboured to prepare the ground for this important meeting in Singapore and that should be appreciated. Similarly, the prime minister of Singapore, Lee Hsein Loong, was gracious enough to host this high-security meeting in his country. Both deserve the thanks of the world for contributing to this summit.

Hopefully the people of both North and South Korea will gradually be able to meet and build relationships, as the people of East and West Berlin did after November 1989, when the Berlin Wall fell. It appears the world has taken one step away from nuclear war. Congratulations to everyone involved.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Sometimes a picture speaks several thousand words

With reference to your article Twitter goes wild for G7 power play picture (June 10), I can wholly sympathise with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's crestfallen expression and body language.

Miguel Llorente, Dubai

Ballot box fire strikes at time when Iraq needs stability

In reference to your article Iraqi politicians demand re-run after fire at ballot centre adds to chaos after vote (June 12), Mina Aldroubi's article on the huge fire in Iraq after the recent elections was sad to read. Iraq has overcome many hurdles in recent times, most notably the scourge of terror and suicide attacks.

At a time when the Iraqi people need stability following an election, this incident is deeply unfortunate. Politicians are demanding a re-election in order to save Iraqi democracy. This is a worthy endeavour. It is unclear what caused the fire but I am sure the Iraqi government will look into it.

K Ragavan, Denver

The perpetrators of animal abuse should be punished

In reference to your story Animal abuse needs 'special legal task force', says pet expert (June 11), I was feeding a stray kitten in Al Qusais last year and someone slit its throat. It is the sign of a truly sick person but it's impossible to know if reporting it will bring the culprit to justice.

Name withheld by request

It would be good to see animal charities better supported and not just through volunteers but with other initiatives.

More schools should invite charities to do presentations on animal protection and educate children about animal welfare from a young age while older children could support charities through fundraising and community service.

Ali McDonald, UK