Holiday fails to soften North Korea’s rhetoric

After weeks of tension, North Korea has options to improve relations with the US and South Korea – but it is unlikely to be tempted by Washington’s offer to restart negotiations on its nuclear programme.

After a day of festivities to mark the 101st birthday of its first leader, North Korea offered new hostile rhetoric against the US and South Korea, which are watching closely for signs whether it will conduct a medium-range missile test.

State media said the Supreme Command of the Korean People’s Army issued an ultimatum demanding an apology from South Korea for “hostile acts” and threatening unspecified retaliatory actions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The statement, relayed through the KCNA state media agency, came after a day of festivities in North Korea’s capital.

The renewed rhetoric was sparked by a protest in downtown Seoul, where effigies of Kim Il Sung and his son and successor, late leader Kim Jong Il, were burned. The North said it would refuse any offers of talks with the South until it apologized for the “monstrous criminal act”.

Kim Il Sung’s birthday holiday this year has been low-key, with Pyongyang residents gathering in performance halls and plazas and taking advantage of subsidised treats, like shaved ice and peanuts.

Yesterday’s ultimatum comes just after US Secretary of State John Kerry ended a tour to coordinate Washington’s response with Beijing, North Korea’s most important ally, as well as with Seoul and Tokyo.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Kerry said on Sunday that the US was “prepared to reach out,” but that Pyongyang must first bring down tensions and honor previous agreements.

South Korea’s Defence Minister told a parliamentary committee this week that North Korea still appeared poised to launch a missile from its east coast. It conducted a nuclear test in February. To further coordinate their response, South Korea’s new president, Park Geun-hye, will meet President Barack Obama on May 7 at the White House.