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In a strong
denouncement, North Korea has expressed its disapproval of the United States'
plan to deploy a nuclear missile submarine near the Korean peninsula,
cautioning that such a move could escalate into a devastating atomic conflict.
The Korean
Central News Agency (KCNA) carried a statement from an unnamed spokesperson of
the North Korean defense ministry.
The person was
quoted as stating that the plan, agreed upon by the leaders of the US and South
Korea in April, would reintroduce US strategic nuclear weapons to the Korean
peninsula for the first time since 1981.
Increase in Regional Military Tensions Feared
The
spokesperson emphasized the dangerous implications of the US plan.
He stated with
a warning that it would significantly heighten regional military tensions and
potentially lead to the most severe crisis of nuclear conflict.
The KCNA
declared the US plan as an act of nuclear blackmail against North Korea and
neighboring countries, posing a grave threat to peace.
The statement
held the United States fully accountable for any unforeseen situation that may
arise as a result of its actions.
Agreement between the US and South Korea on Nuclear Submarine Deployment
During their
meeting in April, US President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon
Suk-yeol reached an agreement for a US Navy nuclear-armed ballistic missile
submarine to visit South Korea.
However, no
specific timeline has been disclosed for the visit.
The objective
behind this deployment is to strengthen the presence of US strategic assets in
order to effectively address North Korea's ongoing nuclear and ballistic
missile program.
North Korea Regards the US Move as a Highly Dangerous Situation
North Korea
perceives the US decision to sail nuclear submarines in the region as an
extremely hazardous situation that compels them to realistically consider the
worst-case scenario of a nuclear confrontation.
The statement
further alleged recent violations of North Korean airspace by US reconnaissance
planes along the east coast, cautioning that the shooting down of a US Air
Force strategic reconnaissance plane over the East Sea could occur
unexpectedly.
North Korea
referred to previous incidents where they had intercepted or shot down US
aircraft along the border with South Korea and off the coast.
South Korean President's Participation in NATO Summit and Emphasis on Cooperation
As South Korean
President Yoon prepared to attend the annual NATO summit in Vilnius, Lithuania,
on Tuesday and Wednesday, North Korea issued these threats.
Yoon's second
consecutive participation in the summit highlights his efforts to strengthen
ties with the world's largest military alliance.
Prior to his
departure, Yoon stressed to The Associated Press news agency the importance of
demonstrating the international community's determination to deter North
Korea's nuclear weapons program.
He asserted
that this resolve must surpass North Korea's desire to develop nuclear weapons.
Yoon further
stated that South Korea will emphasize the significance of international
cooperation against North Korea's unlawful actions during the NATO meeting.
(Courtesy:
Al-Jazeera)
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