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Pyongyang Criticizes U.S., South Korea for Joint Military Maneuvers
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) slammed U.S.-South Korea joint military maneuvers Thursday, saying the move would undermine the favorable environment for improving relations.
A Foreign Ministry spokesman said the large-scale maneuvers, which occur at a time when the DPRK's relations with the U.S. and South Korea are improving, appear to be an open challenge to their dialogue partner.
"It is as good as spoiling the good atmosphere created in favor of reconciliation and cooperation," he added.
The exercise, which is called "2000 Foal Eagle," began on Wednesday, one day after U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright held talks with DPRK leader Kim Jong Il during a two-day visit to Pyongyang, the first ever by a U.S. cabinet member.
In September, the United States and the DPRK issued a joint communique on reshaping a relationship free of enmity. The spokesman also mentioned the recent positive developments in the DPRK-South Korea ties, which include military contacts and consultations.
He said, however, "The maneuvers prove that the U.S. is still pursuing the policy of strength in its strategy towards (the DPRK), and that South Korean authorities are following with increased zeal the U.S. strategy."
In 1992, he pointed out, it was similar joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea that disrupted the implementation of agreements reached between Pyongyang and Seoul on reconciliation on the Korean Peninsula.
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