North Korea warned the United States on Wednesday that it is ready for any military conflict and threatened neighboring South Korea with “annihilation” in the face of any attempt to topple the North Korean regime.
Our military is fully prepared to respond to any crisis, and our nation’s nuclear deterrent is also ready to reliably, precisely and quickly deploy its sheer force,” North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said in a statement on Tuesday. Wednesday night, in a speech. to commemorate Victory Day, marking the end of the Korean War, on July 27, 1953.
In his speech on the 69th anniversary of the end of the war, Kim accused the United States of applying “double standards”, calling the Washington’s “provocative and threatening” activities when performing “exercises” [militares] large-scale groups that seriously threaten the security” of North Korea, the North’s official KCNA news agency reported.
The state newspaper Rodong published this Thursday a series of photographs of Kim Jong-un during this same speech, in what is the The leader’s first public appearance in 19 days. Kim also appears to greet the national military forces, accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol-ju.
The celebration included fireworks and various events throughout the day, including a gathering of war veterans.
Kim Jong-un also accused South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who since taking office on May 10 has taken a tougher line against the neighboring country.
Pyongyang warned that any attempt by Seoul to paralyze the country would be received a harsh response, including “annihilation.” He also accused Seoul of supporting the US “hostile policy” towards Pyongyang.
Source: Observadora
