International News
North Korea: Kim Jong Un Orders Military To Prepare For Possible War
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has escalated tensions with fresh threats of a potential nuclear strike on Seoul and a directive for a significant buildup of the country’s military.
In a lengthy speech concluding five days of crucial year-end party meetings shaping North Korea’s policy decisions for 2024, Kim Jong Un directed scathing remarks toward the United States.
These meetings revealed a blueprint for extensive military development in the upcoming year, as outlined by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Plans include launching three new spy satellites, advancing unmanned drone technology, enhancing electronic warfare capabilities, and fortifying the nation’s nuclear and missile forces.
Following the meeting, Kim Jong Un accused the United States of presenting “various types of military threat.
He directed North Korea’s armed forces to uphold an “overwhelming war response capability,” emphasizing readiness in the face of perceived threats from the United States.
Kim said “It is a “fait accompli that a war can break out at any time on the Korean peninsula due to reckless moves by the enemies to invade us.”
In an attempt to dissuade Pyongyang, Washington recently deployed a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Korean port city of Busan and engaged in joint drills with Seoul and Tokyo, involving long-range bombers.
The North has previously condemned the deployment of Washington’s strategic weapons, like B-52 bombers, in joint exercises on the Korean peninsula, labeling them as “intentional nuclear war provocative moves.”
Kim said “We must respond quickly to a possible nuclear crisis and continue to accelerate preparations to pacify the entire territory of South Korea by mobilising all physical means and forces, including nuclear force, in case of emergency.”
During the meeting, Kim Jong Un declared a shift in strategy, stating that North Korea would no longer pursue reconciliation or reunification with South Korea.
He attributed the ongoing “persisting uncontrollable crisis situation” to actions taken by Seoul and Washington.
Inter-Korean relations have reached a nadir this year, aggravated by Pyongyang’s spy satellite launch, leading Seoul to partially suspend a 2018 military agreement designed to ease tensions between the two nations.
“I believe that it is a mistake that we should no longer make to consider the people who declare us as the ‘main enemy’… as a counterpart for reconciliation and unification,” KCNA cited Kim as saying.
Kim Jong Un has directed the formulation of plans to restructure departments handling cross-border affairs, aiming to “fundamentally shift the direction.”
Leif Easley, an international relations professor at Ewha University in Seoul, suggested that North Korea’s emphasis on its “significant military capabilities” might be a strategic move to divert attention from its poor economic performance this year.
Easley highlighted that much of the content published by state-controlled media constitutes recycled propaganda.
He remarked that Pyongyang’s aggressive rhetoric likely serves purposes beyond deterrence, potentially involving domestic politics and international influence.
Having declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear power last year, Pyongyang has consistently reiterated its refusal to abandon its nuclear program, considering it vital for the regime’s survival.
Since its initial nuclear test in 2006, the United Nations Security Council has issued numerous resolutions urging North Korea to cease its nuclear and ballistic missile programs
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez of Spain has officially announced that he will not be resigning, bringing an end to a period of intense political speculation.
His declaration, made during a public address on Monday, follows days of uncertainty surrounding his tenure.
Earlier reports had hinted at Sanchez’s potential resignation amidst ongoing investigations into his wife, Begona Gomez’s alleged involvement in influence peddling and corruption.
However, Sanchez clarified that his contemplation of resignation was not driven by political strategy but rather by concerns over growing polarization and the dissemination of deliberate misinformation within the political landscape.
Sanchez passionately addressed the need to combat the degradation of public discourse, stating, “For too long, we’ve allowed toxic methods to corrupt our political and public life, methods that were unthinkable just a few years ago… Do we truly desire this for Spain?”
He emphasized his conviction, declaring, “I have acted with a clear determination: either we declare ‘enough is enough’ or allow this deterioration of public life to shape our future and condemn our nation.”
Sanchez’s choice to remain in office was significantly influenced by a strong demonstration of support at the Socialist Party’s headquarters in Madrid, where enthusiastic supporters passionately chanted, “Pedro, stay!” This outpouring of solidarity occurred shortly after the public prosecutor’s office recommended closing the investigation into Gomez.
Sanchez’s reaffirmation of his leadership role comes at a pivotal juncture as he gears up to guide his party through the upcoming regional elections in Catalonia on May 12.
The Socialists are poised to contest against the pro-independence factions currently holding sway, underscoring the significance of his continued leadership.
Britain has taken a decisive stance against the escalating conflict in Sudan by announcing sanctions targeting businesses associated with the warring factions.
Since the outbreak of fighting between rival generals on April 15 last year, the situation has deteriorated drastically, resulting in thousands of casualties and forcing approximately 1.8 million people to seek refuge in neighboring countries.
Aid workers on the ground have painted a grim picture of the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the country, with civilians enduring starvation, sexual violence, ethnic killings, and executions.
The UK’s Foreign Office has underscored the severity of the situation, emphasizing that “strict measures” will be implemented, including asset freezes on companies with ties to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
British foreign minister David CameronCameron said “We continue to see appalling atrocities against civilians, unacceptable restrictions on humanitarian access and an utter disregard for civilian life.
“The businesses that support the warring parties must be held to account, alongside those responsible for human rights abuses. The world must not forget about Sudan. We urgently need to end the violence.
The sanctions target specific entities, including Alkhaleej Bank, implicated in financing the RSF, and Al-Fakher Advanced Works, a holding company facilitating gold exports for the organization, with proceeds funnelled into weapons acquisition.
Additionally, Red Rock Mining, known for providing funds to the SAF, faces sanctions. The company’s close ties to Defence Industries System, the economic and manufacturing arm of the SAF, further solidify its inclusion in the sanctions, as stated by the Foreign Office.
France, currently hosting an international conference on Sudan, is urging for aid contributions and heightened global attention to address what officials describe as a crisis overshadowed by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
Will Carter, Sudan country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, emphasized the dire conditions faced by civilians in the region, including starvation, widespread sexual violence, ethnic massacres, and executions.
According to the UN, over 8.5 million people have been displaced since the onset of the conflict.
The World Health Organization has issued warnings about the country’s collapsing health system, citing acute shortages of medical staff and essential medicines as pressing concerns.
In response to what it perceives as undue criticism from officials in France, Britain, and Germany, Iran summoned their respective ambassadors to Tehran on Sunday.
The move comes in the wake of Iran’s recent missile and drone strike on Israel.
According to the official IRNA news agency, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs cited “irresponsible positions” from certain officials in these countries regarding Iran’s retaliation against perceived Israeli provocations impacting Iranian citizens and interests.
The Agency said, “The British, French, and German ambassadors to Tehran were summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the irresponsible positions of certain officials of these countries regarding Iran’s response to the actions of the Zionist regime (Israel) against the nationals and interests of our country.”
More to follow…….
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