Nokor makes rare unification call
Pyongyang says joint military drills with ‘outside forces’ unhelpful
SEOUL— North Korea made a rare announcement to “all Koreans at home and abroad” on Thursday, seeking a “breakthrough” for unification without the help of other countries, its state media said. It said all Koreans should “promote contact, travel, cooperation between North and South Korea” while adding Pyongyang will “smash” all challenges against reunification of the Korean peninsula.
SEOUL— North Korea made a rare announcement to “all Koreans at home and abroad” on Thursday, seeking a “breakthrough” for unification without the help of other countries, its state media said.
It said all Koreans should “promote contact, travel, cooperation between North and South Korea” while adding that Pyongyang would “smash” all challenges against reunification of the Korean Peninsula.
The announcement added that Koreans should campaign to defuse the military tension and create a peaceful climate on the Korean Peninsula.
Military tension on the Korean Peninsula was a “fundamental obstacle” for the improvement of inter-Korean relations and unification, according to North Korea’s official news agency.
Meaningful year
It added that joint military drills with “outside forces” had shown to be unhelpful for the development of relations between North and South Korea.
North Korea did not provide details why the meeting was held but the statement said it was aimed to support leader Kim Jong-un’s remarks regarding unification from his New Year’s address.
It said this year was meaningful for both North and South Korea as it was the 70th anniversary of the founding of North Korea while South Korea would be hosting the Winter Olympics next month.
Pyongyang is preparing to stage a major event to mark the 70th anniversary of its military, just one day before the opening of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
Symbol of peace, stability
Pyongyang residents have been practicing daily with drums and plastic bouquets, while satellite imagery suggests troops are rehearsing for a possible military parade on Feb 8.
Officials refuse to confirm what exactly is planned.
A major show of military power could create anger in South Korea, which is hoping the games will be a symbol of peace and stability.
Seoul has agreed to the North Korean leader’s last- minute proposal to send a delegation to the games and will have its athletes march together with the North Korean team.—