DPRK warns it may leave 6-party talks

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-25-2009 09:50

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has warned it would leave the six-party talks, if the United States and Japan intercept its satellite-equipped rocket.

DPRK Army soldiers, wearing brown uniforms, march as South Korean and U.S. Army soldier, wearing gray uniform, look on at the border village of Panmunjom in the  demilitarized zone, March 6, 2009. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, Pool)

DPRK state television has quoted a Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying that such a move would ruin the foundation of the talks.

The spokesman said that's because the US and Japan would have denied the right of the DPRK to develop space for peaceful purposes and violated its sovereignty.

He said it is a legitimate right for every country to develop a peaceful space program.

The spokesman said attempts by the US and Japan to submit the issue to the United Nations violates the spirit of "mutual respect and equality" stated in the 2005 six-party talks statement.

The DPRK has informed the international community of its plan to launch a satellite between April the 4th and 8th.

Some Western countries continue to suspect the operation is a cover for the test-firing of a long-range ballistic missile.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei